Sleep Come Free Me

I bought James Taylor's album Flag (on vinyl) when it came out in 1979. The last song is a very bluesy number where Taylor expresses a prisoner's wish for sleep as his only escape from incarceration. Somewhere I read that some people doing time will sleep for as much as 20 hours in a day. Having dealt with some pretty substantial chronic pain issues accompanied depression I understand the only place you are really free is in your dreams.

I am the main caregiver for my 88 year old father in law. His propensity to fall asleep is legend in the family.When I first started watching him I thought it might be a sign that his condition wasn't the best. I was reassured that "he has always been like that", that he falls asleep in an instant and can sleep through just about anything.

The Cubans (my in-laws) turn the TV on before they get out of bed and turn it off sometime after 10. Normally when I would dose them during the day, he would be aware of what was on the TV. It's the only thing they do. They don't read. They don't go outside to sit or walk. They don't listen to music. They watch. And they believe most of the reality shows are true to life. Their favorite, Caso Cerrado, must be on separate channels sever times a day because it seems the people are always screaming at each other, making incredible accusations and calling each other things you couldn't say on English television. Well, maybe on MTV.

Lately, Papi has been asleep every time I see. I've had to wake him up for every medication, for every meal, for a shower or just to change out of his pajamas. And whenever I open the door to go in I hear James Taylor singing Sleep Come Free Me.