I think the earlier stages of Alzheimer's are the hardest. Particularly because the person knows that they are losing awareness. They're aware that they're losing awareness, and you see them struggling.
Patti DavisRead
No one ever saw all of him. It took me nearly four decades to allow my father his shadows, his reserve, to sit silently with him and not clamor for something more.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects the complex nature of understanding and accepting a loved one's hidden aspects.
Patti Davis highlights a profound realization about her relationship with her father, emphasizing that true understanding often involves recognizing and accepting the parts of a person that remain unexpressed. It took her years to appreciate the depth of her father's character, allowing space for his silence and shadows, which signifies an important lesson in patience, acceptance, and the nature of familial love.
Themes
FatherAcceptanceSilenceUnderstandingRelationshipsShadowsLove
In practice
Example use cases
During a family gathering, one can share this quote to discuss the depth of familial relationships.
More from Patti Davis
All quotes βI often imagine what it would be like if my father were still here to mark his 100th birthday, if Alzheimer's hadn't clawed away years, possibilities, hopes. What would he think of all the commemorations and celebrations?
Patti DavisRead
Life Lesson 3: You can't rush grief. It has its own timetable. All you can do is make sure there are lots of soft places around - beds, pillows, arms, laps.
Patti DavisRead
Similar quotes
I want to just be lazy and I want some of the people around me to be doing things, because that makes me feel comfortable and safe - and I want some of them to be doing nothing at all, because they can be graceful and companionable for me.
F. Scott FitzgeraldRead
Many women cut back what had to be done at home by redefining what the house, the marriage and, sometimes, what the child needs. One woman described a fairly common pattern: I do my half. I do half of his half, and the rest doesn't get done.
Arlie Russell HochschildRead
All infractions of love and equity in our social relations are speedily punished-by fear...be honest with a man and you have no fear. Try to deceive and the relationship deteriorates.
Ralph Waldo EmersonRead
I've talked to nearly 30,000, people on this show, and all 30,000, had one thing in common: They all wanted validation...I would tell you that every single person you will ever meet shares that common desire.
Oprah WinfreyRead
And I wonder, among all the tangles of this mortal coil, which one contains tighter knots to undo, & consequently suggests more tugging, & pain, & diversified elements of misery, than the marriage tie.
Edith WhartonRead
Rejoice with those who rejoice." I have found that difficult too often. I was much better at weeping with those who weep.
Marilynne RobinsonRead