I’ve Published a Book!

Out of Focus: A Caregiver’s Search for Clarity

This book is a collection of thirty-nine pieces, each a page or less in length, that I wrote about us during the last eight years of Tom’s life. Some of the pieces are prose, some are poetry, all fit in the genre of memoir. Each piece is paired with one of my photographs, chosen as metaphoric interpretations of the writing. Together these pieces tell the story of enduring love amid a changing relationship.

In this memoir I do not offer a prescription for getting through a difficult journey. Instead I hope these heartfelt pages may serve as a sympathetic companion for others who would help a loved one suffering from dementia.

Information about how to purchase this book can be found on the Contact page

Comments from people who have read the book:

“In 39 one-page micro-essays and poems, each paired with one of her haunting photographs, Patsy reflects on the last years of her husband Tom's life with Alzheimer’s. It’s a book about remembering and forgetting, about the intimate details of daily life as the caregiver of a loved one, about loving someone deeply even as he slowly disappears. The book is heartbreakingly gorgeous."

Rob Hardy (Facebook post)

“Patsy, the book is an artistic masterpiece. Everything about it. I am so proud of you for doing it, for putting your experience out there for others to understand and be comforted by. The photos are exquisite. Bravo!"

Toni Easterson (Text to the author)

“You have created an amazing book - I’ve read it once, and will read it again and again. Your voice is clear, truly you, and the combination of prose, poetry, and photos weaves a fabric designed with love, memory, reality, and struggle."

Marie Gery (Text to the author)

“I have been loving your book so much. I love the memoir style combined with poetic prose and images. It’s moving, beautiful and honest. It made me smile and cry. What a wonderful piece of art you’ve released into the world."

Tami Resler (Email to the author)