By Mary Melfi | Guernica Editions
Along with the grey hairs and wrinkles that are inevitable parts of aging, each of us must confront our own mortality. Award-winning Canadian author Mary Melfi tackles the topic with sensitivity and humour via In the Backyard: Relearning the Art of Aging, Dying and Making Love. The memoir spans a decade, starting at age 50, when the Montreal writer seeks out the help of her in-house therapist/husband, Dr. George Nemeth. He is a psychologist and his answers to big life questions serve as an impetus to seize the day and not give up hope when faced with poor health and other later-life challenges. When he is diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer and passes away, she must reimagine and redefine her life without him. Melfi is the author of 12 books and this one may be of great help to people facing similar issues.
