Today is my mother's birthday so I wrote a reflection about that. It isn't long and I don't feel that scratch of grief in my throat this morning. But, what I learned in writing that reflection for a few minutes is this: My mother became a Grandma at my age (53). That new identity and stage in her life over the last twenty-five years brought her immense joy and also brought us together. It may be the one thing I did that helped us spend significantly more time together and today, five months after her death, I am grateful. I also am not ready to be a grandmother in my own life because, at age 53, I am finding joy in this stage of life without grandchildren. My point is that writing helps; sharing our reflections helps and I agree with you that American society does not respect that grief lingers. My stage of caregiving for aging parents has ended and, while I still have some of my parents' belongings to sort through, life has become easier. I appreciate your sharing because it also helps me and others in our journeys!
Lisa, thank you so much for sharing these reflections on grief and how you are writing your way through it. The exercise of imagining where our parents were when they were our age can bring many insights -- how beautiful that you are reflecting on ways you and your mom began connecting in new ways when she was the age you are now. <3
There are many threads. I know when each of these threads e.g. 'runking' as you coined it (run-walk-runs), writing, and other similar self-compassion threads (meditation, common humanity and connection to the broader world) - when they're woven into our lives we can 'do life' at the very edge of our capabilities..and sometimes even when we feel like we're dangling over the edge! But this rope keeps us tethered, or at least bound and whole.
P.S I think caregivers are the embodiment of 'Everything, Everywhere, All At Once!'
I'm grateful for your wrting and it never seems grief-exhibitionist to me (although I wonder the same about mine! 🤣) It is a deep portrait of what it is like to journey with you in this season. And expands my empathy by reading ALL that you're going through! 🐻
Thank you for this, Christine -- I'm glad I'm not the only one having these wonderings! And now I'm going to have to search out that bear emoji ... love it :)
Love this!!! So helpful!!! Jewell Fiskness
Today is my mother's birthday so I wrote a reflection about that. It isn't long and I don't feel that scratch of grief in my throat this morning. But, what I learned in writing that reflection for a few minutes is this: My mother became a Grandma at my age (53). That new identity and stage in her life over the last twenty-five years brought her immense joy and also brought us together. It may be the one thing I did that helped us spend significantly more time together and today, five months after her death, I am grateful. I also am not ready to be a grandmother in my own life because, at age 53, I am finding joy in this stage of life without grandchildren. My point is that writing helps; sharing our reflections helps and I agree with you that American society does not respect that grief lingers. My stage of caregiving for aging parents has ended and, while I still have some of my parents' belongings to sort through, life has become easier. I appreciate your sharing because it also helps me and others in our journeys!
Lisa, thank you so much for sharing these reflections on grief and how you are writing your way through it. The exercise of imagining where our parents were when they were our age can bring many insights -- how beautiful that you are reflecting on ways you and your mom began connecting in new ways when she was the age you are now. <3
I SO hear you Sarah.
There are many threads. I know when each of these threads e.g. 'runking' as you coined it (run-walk-runs), writing, and other similar self-compassion threads (meditation, common humanity and connection to the broader world) - when they're woven into our lives we can 'do life' at the very edge of our capabilities..and sometimes even when we feel like we're dangling over the edge! But this rope keeps us tethered, or at least bound and whole.
P.S I think caregivers are the embodiment of 'Everything, Everywhere, All At Once!'
Well put, Victoria! Yes, this time of life brings whole new meaning to living on the edge, doesn't it? Thinking of you this week ... take good care <3
I'm grateful for your wrting and it never seems grief-exhibitionist to me (although I wonder the same about mine! 🤣) It is a deep portrait of what it is like to journey with you in this season. And expands my empathy by reading ALL that you're going through! 🐻
Thank you for this, Christine -- I'm glad I'm not the only one having these wonderings! And now I'm going to have to search out that bear emoji ... love it :)
rrr... hear me growl. good video and great writing, once again- love the connection. hugs
Growling right back! Great to hear from you, Lore ... hope all is well with you <3