The Immortal Alcoholic's WifeLinda Bartee Doyne writes as LindaJane Riley, a woman who is from an era when women were nurturers and men were hunters. She learned very early in life to take care of the old, young or sick family members. When she left home, she had no intention of being a caretaker ever again. She married a Navy man, Riley, and supported him in every aspect of military life. But, when his alcoholism became too insane, she left him. Fifteen years later she makes a difficult choice to take care of her estranged, near-death, alcoholic husband. It was not an easy decision, but, for her, it was the only right decision. After all, she thought, it's only a short detour in my life. How long could he really last? LindaJane waited for Riley to die while taking care of his every need. She waited. But when he would just get to the end, he would miraculously survive. He seemed to be immortal. She dubbed him The Immortal Alcoholic. She struggles with the moral and legal issues of trying to keep him alive, or letting him die, while he clearly states he would rather be dead than sober. LindaJane seeks help and/or advice but receives very little from medical professionals and family. She finds the strength she needs from comments to the blog she created (Immortal Alcoholic) that she hoped would connect her to others in her situation. The comments inspire her to create a support group. She writes this book, The Immortal Alcoholic's Wife, and a Workbook for Caretakers of End-Stage Alcoholics. She learns to find her passion in writing and helping others through her experiences, disappointments, frustrations and humor. In spite of care-taking an immortal alcoholic, she is thriving. This book is her journey from childhood through Riley's hospice. It shares the knowledge she gains and the frustration from being inside the insanity. Anyone with an alcoholic in their life will find this book helpful, humorous and encouraging. Readers will find this book as a road map through the maze of alcoholic insanity. |
