Margaret and Myra, both in their 80's, survive the travails of aging as roommates in a nursing home. They bravely face the hassles and disappointments of daily life including declining health, emotional depression, tormented memories, renovations to the nursing home, and increasing crime. The crescendo, reached with a labor strike by unionized staff and employees, leads to resident deaths, staff resignations, and sexual acting out. Margaret's family is supportive, sharply contrasted with the feelings of isolation and abandonment engendered by Myra's two daughters. Ultimately, Myra expresses her love for Margaret through a bequest of $1 million, halving the amount given to her own daughters, and creating even more wrath in her family.
It is estimated that there may be more than four million people in nursing homes or assisted living centers by the year 2010. It is hoped that Two Sweeties will stimulate readers to think about themselves, their aging parents and relatives, and what they, themselves, want from life as they go through the various cycles of development, including old age. Two Sweeties provides a realistic view of nursing home life with both the pros and cons indicated. Depression is a major health burden frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed in the elderly, and Two Sweeties provides increased understanding of this clinical phenomena.
