The book is about a couple who is under extreme pressure to maintain a normal life despite the ravages of the diseases: diabetes, Alzheimer's, four bouts of strokes, and congestive heart failure which have befallen the author's wife. The saga about the couple is true and is still ongoing. The story telling in the book will probably stop when either the subject of the stories or the story teller himself is gone.
The book has only two main characters, the author and his wife. The author, acting as caregiver to his wife, tells stories about the events that are affecting his wife. Plenty of those events affect her differently compared to other people because of her impaired mental and physical capacity.
In addition to book front details and an index, there are 21 chapters in the book corresponding to various aspects affecting the author's wife.
Chapters include:
- Chapter 1 - Progression of Bodily Disorders,
- Chapter 2 - Caregiving,
- Chapter 3 - Protracted Living,
- Chapter 4 - Recreational Activities,
- Chapter 5 - Anxious Moments,
- Chapter 6 - Vacation Cruises,
- Chapter 7 - Destination Alaska,
- Chapter 8 - Destination Californian,
- Chapter 9 - Destination New York,
- Chapter 10 - Destination The Caribbean,
- Chapter 11 - Destination Florida,
- Chapter 12 - Destination France,
- Chapter 13 - Destination Hawaii,
- Chapter 14 - Destination Italy,
- Chapter 15 - Destination London,
- Chapter 16 - Destination Mexico,
- Chapter 17 - Destination Niagara Falls,
- Chapter 18 - Destination Spain,
- Chapter 19 - Destination Holland,
- Chapter 20 - Cruise Incidents and Events,
- Chapter 21 - Well Wishes from Us,
- Index
Each chapter has enough scenes and details to describe specific events that affect the author's wife. For example the followng scenes are described in:
Chapter 3 - Protracted Living:
- Quality of Life in Ruin,
- Food Dilemma,
- Incontinence,
- Breakfast Scene,
- My Daily Tasks,
- Spiritual Commitment,
- Socializing Amidst Adversity.
Based upon the events that adversely affect his wife, the author sets up a mission to make her as happy as possible during her remaining life. His mission is to devote utmost effort in extending to her affordable conveniences while she is still in a condition to appreciate them.
Her idea of being happy is being able to travel. She still appreciates the visible aspects of things around her. The author does not waste any time implementing his mission. He does not want to have lingering regrets of missing the opportunity of affirming his love for his wife. Her condition is dire, she might degenerate into complete helplessness anytime.
Progressing Alzheimer's and the fourth stroke are dampening the author's mission; nonetheless, he becomes even more determined to achieve it. He has as many plans as his wife is able and willing to take, without exacerbating her frail physical and mental condition. The plans are currently on hold evidently due to her condition.
Each travel time provided plenty of scenes and topics to describe. The book is built up by different places visited and unique events that affected the couple. It is also built by changes in the habits and idiosyncracies of the author's wife.
The designations of the diseases: Strokes, Alzheimer's, Diabetes are contracted by the author to 'S.A.D' to sound like the mood when someone is sorry and unhappy when things are not turning favorably his way. Things are turning very much against the author's way.
About the Author: Roy Lique finished his secondary education at Liceo de San Jacinto, Masbate, Philippines. His bachelor's degree in Business Administration, was earned at the University of the East, Manila, Philippines. Some educational credits were earned at the United States Air Force extension classes, while he was employed at Clark Air Force Base, Philippines. After coming to the United States, he took some computer classes and earned a Certificate in Computer Science at Automation Institute of America.
Roy worked as Administrative Assistant at the Universal Textile Mills, Inc., (now defunct) Marikina, Rizal, Philippines, for 12 years. In that capacity he was involved in the Finishing Department's hiring process and other administrative functions including work scheduling, employee administration, and materials inventory management.
As Employee Management Relations Specialist at the United States Air Force, Clark Field, Philippines, he was involved in general employee relations including hiring, disciplinary actions, enforcement of the Rules and Regulations of the United States Civil Service Commission as they apply to civilian employees funded through the United States Government.
The United States Air Force, United States Navy, and the United States Army, each has different regulations which apply to civilian employees stationed at the base - Roy was also involved in the enforcement of those regulations. He was also involved in the enforcement of the policy instructions as they apply to locally-hired employees funded from the non-appropriated funds of the base.
He was hired as accountant in the Finance Department, City of Pasadena, Pasadena, California. In that capacity he performed encumbrance accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, utility accounting, and liaison with the State and Federal governments.
He was transferred to the Pasadena Water and Power Department where he performed budgeting, more utility accounting, and liaison with the State and Federal governments. His final position was as Principal Financial Rates Analyst for the department doing rates design for both water and power. He retired from the position after 31 yeas of service with the City of Pasadena.
Roy's interest in cameras led him to invent Digital Camera Lens Guard and Use Extender. Patent on the invention is pending with the United States Patent Office.
