July 5, 2022
by TRatner
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It’s exactly two hours since my husband, Michael, was wheeled down the hospital corridor toward the surgical suites. Yes, they refer to them as suites, as if they are large, comfortable rooms with all the amenities of a four-star hotel. … Continue reading
March 12, 2015
by TRatner
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November 11, 2013
by TRatner
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This is where the past and the future meet. This is after my mother was killed by a speeding car, after my son died in a motorcycle accident, and after my husband passed away from esophageal cancer. It’s years after … Continue reading
September 27, 2013
by TRatner
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TEN As a young man, he called to tell you he was sick with the flu. You were concerned and asked him if he had any food in the house. “No, I haven’t been eating much,” he replied. So you … Continue reading
August 10, 2013
by TRatner
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Five When he ate malted-milk balls, he sucked the chocolate off first. Thinking you weren’t watching, he’d roll the candies from one side of his mouth to the other, making the sort of tiny noises you’d imagine a chipmunk would … Continue reading
August 10, 2012
by TRatner
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The man in the house across the street is dying. I began to notice it two years ago when he suddenly stopped coming around to do chores such as raking, fixing electrical outlets that weren’t in working order, painting rotted … Continue reading
February 6, 2012
by TRatner
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A Study in Morbidity The Last Photo My husband died November of 2010, at 2:04 p.m.—one week before Thanksgiving. I know the time because when he took his last breath, for some reason, I glanced up at the clock. … Continue reading
January 6, 2012
by TRatner
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Looking Back Part II The beginning of the end Two weeks before my husband was admitted to inpatient hospice, he experienced an increase in bone pain. His daily medications were no longer easing his discomfort. I remember the initial comment … Continue reading
August 4, 2011
by TRatner
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Unexpected Treasures mag·net (m g n t) n. An object that is surrounded by a magnetic field and that has the property, either natural or induced, of attracting iron or steel. An electromagnet. A person, a place, an object, … Continue reading
January 31, 2011
by TRatner
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A NEW YEAR December 19, 2010 Tonight is the Macayo holiday party—a catered affair on Camelback Mountain which Michael and I have attended for the past twelve years. I plan to shop at Nordstrom’s for a special dress for the … Continue reading