In her latest book, Wife, Just Let Go: Zen, Alzheimer’s, and Love,[1] Diana Saltoon[2] shares a difficult path. Each step did not land on a flat stone. Far from it. But each step was taken slowly and thoughtfully with hopes of holding on. There was a great deal of love to keep, you see, but the Alzheimer’s diagnosis for her husband Robert Briggs[3] evoked the cruel theft of everything.

This book of theirs is a well-balanced dual memoir. Diana gave the promise to Robert after their new reality had settled. For Robert was a writer and he did not wish to stop. Diana vowed that she would see his last work in print, and she excelled in her promise-keeping.

Her stories of the path invite us. The woven poetry and travels, perspectives and meditations, the facing of music and the dancing to it—each step and every stumble of the journey welcomes us. We find our own way as we discover theirs. The book is beautifully crafted. Each chapter is an inclusive phase. Each story opens a veil. We follow steps. They lead us into the misty garden of clinging vines and fleeting life. Poetry and observations grow along the way.

“As my wife Diana reminds me, ‘Age has little to do with aging. It is the quality of energy experienced moment by moment.’” Robert, 2012, New York

This book is a lyrical signpost, a guide to going where no one wants to tread. Yet! Oh, for love—the dread path appears, as it does for many—and suddenly you realize that your first steps have already stretched along the path—behind you! It is clear, the steps cannot be taken back. Then, and from that moment on, this book will comfort you.

You become intimate with two creative souls. Finding them on the path, you suffer the unexpected turn. You understand that their shared fate belongs to us, too. Whether it is Alzheimer’s that becomes your shepherd or another shroud of age, the path becomes less inviting with the blessed curse of passing time. For those of us who are touched by the thievery of Alzheimer’s, Diana Saltoon’s record of Robert’s last written words will help in enormous ways. Consider the path, where it leads, and that day when you are called to accomplish the impossible and “Just Let Go.”

Between courage and being crushed there lies great strength. In Diana’s and Robert’s case, a commitment of togetherness proved indomitable. Yet strength is not power. It cannot outmuscle sorrow, but it does abide despite tears, it enables hands and hearts to enfold forever—and it serves in perfect measure when the time of breathing ends. Presence is changed. Awareness is embraced. Time together is cherished and released to waft eternally with the dawn and with the dusk. That is everything.

As promised and with Robert’s words and hers, Diana Saltoon delivers this.

“They clap all over the world when you dance with me.” Robert, 2014

Image: Cover by Christine Toth, Portland, Oregon


[1] https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2/137-1850626-1741137?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=wife%2C+just+let+go
[2] http://www.readhowyouwant.com/catalog/author-detail.aspx?author-id=2275
[3] http://ruinedtime.com/