Sunday, July 23, 2006

No Books In The Nursing Home

















I have possibly made some assumptions here ...
like I assume that people who keep a journal are probably book readers. I am possibly wrong. I suspect that mad addicted bloggers possibly don't read as much as they used to because they have a new addiction. I am possibly wrong.

But there is something I care about more right now. And that is my own love of books ... and I mean love. Like if I have to decide between chocolate and books, books will win.
Now that proves this is a serious issue.

A friend of my folks has had to move to a nursing home to live out his days. I can't begin to imagine what it is like to reduce your possessions and life to the state of being able to have a meaningful existence in a nursing home bedroom 4m x 2m. So I considered just one little part of that move ... and a part that is really hard on this guy at the moment ...

What do you do with your books?

This has been munching around in my head for a couple of weeks. Then Mum emailed me and said that this friend asked her to ask me what to do with his amazing life time collection (even a heap of First editions!) ... "She's a freelance writer ... ask her what she would do ...". That brought it to the forground for me. It's a real issue for this guy .... it will possibly be a real issue for me one day (long time away I hope!) ... bibliophiles face a similar dilema everytime they run out of bookcase space ... but to go down to half a dozen books?

All I can think is that the books somehow, and someway have to make someone else happy ... and hopefully go to a good home ... Take away my chocolate first and then maybe there will be more room for books ...


6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Doesn't seem right somehow does it?

Hey your blog is really great now you are just posting to one! I've gone from minor fan to major fan!

Linda J. Meikle (Former Linda Cash) said...

I am a nurse in a nursing home. Your article is very true!

My name is Linda from Columbus, Ohio. Speaking of books, I'm the author of "Dusty Angels and Old Diaries" a true story about my life. I've given my book to many of my patients (since I can't accept money from the,) I have a special offer at my website...

Order "Dusty Angels and Old Diaries" (from any major book store) and pass it on to a friend when you have finished reading it. Then call and request a FREE BOOK from Linda. Call the toll-free number on the last page of the book, "Dusty Angels and Old Diaries" to get your autographed complimentary book.

From one friend to another! Take Care on the Journey... ~Linda

Anonymous said...

I would dontate the first editions to a library or museum at least ...

Hey is this your bookcase?

Anonymous said...

Enjoyed your to-day" Blog,but mostly the comments you recieved from it.

I do like Linda's comment and hope to persue her advice.

Hope the,'Book' problem sorts itsself out soon.

Adele

Pamela J Weatherill said...

Linda - Thanks for popping by. What a lovely way to keep books going around the community!

Anon - Donating is always good! And YEP those are my books!

Heart - The BLogging Community always makes great comments huh!

Mr Fab - Yeah ... well you are closer to the truth than you might know!!!

KatesFree said...

Hi--wow, I could never pare it down to half a dozen books--in my case, that would be elder abuse.