This book contains graphic language describing the medical condition of individuals, and describes the feelings and experiences of the author relative to the death of his son and later his spouse. It is the authors journey from his early teen years in poverty stricken Vermont, interspersed with New England humor and pathos, culminating with the death of his wife of 50 years.
As his grown son slips away and dies, we are drawn right into the very hospital setting, standing with his family at bedside, a witness to a "passing". This setting is extremely powerful.
As a teen, the author recalls being grounded and told by his father "You are confined to the house, lets see what trouble you can get into now." Young Mel picks up the challenge and finding his mothers sewing kit, proceeds to sew his father to the bed sheets as dad had his Sunday afternoon snooze.
Shirley, Mel's wife had to be a Saint. Readers will agree as the book concludes with a section titled "Your Children Remember You", ...Eight short, beautifully written remembrances of their Mother, Shirley.