I wish you Clarity and love. This happened to my aunt and uncle at almost the same time, and they were 69 and 71. Always been very healthy and full of life, traveling, entertaining, playing golf and tennis. They had no children and I was the closest of the nieces/nephews. We moved them closer to me, so like you a 5 min drive. I don’t deny it changed me. My boys were 13 and 15. It really changed us all. We had some very precious moments with them. My boys learned a different kind of patience and not to fear what comes with getting old. There were middle of the night hospital visits with falls, until the last one that was not recoverable. My uncle who was worse off, had long since been bedridden. But my aunt remembered me up until that last fall. I so wish, of course, they never had to go through this. But. It gave me a new love of the now, taught me to push through and gave me the confidence that I could manage pain and “bad” things. They lived 2 1/2 years in the memory unit down the hall from each other and died within. 18 days of each other at 71 and 73. Too young. When I make a good meal, or pick a bouquet of flowers or put on some funky jewelry or go to an exotic hole-in-the-wall restaurant I smile with the memories that we had together (she was the “fun” aunt), but I also thank them for this inner peace they gave me…..no need to chase dreams…..I know what is important…deep in my bones, I know.
@JennV and Ali - I was the one who flew across the country to visit. Sometimes I was timed those trips to appointments and when I/we were in town, I’d fill the time with as much every day life as possible. It fell to my brother to be the person on the ground most of the time. He, his family and our large extended family were caring and wonderful to both of my parents. With the perspective of time 3 & 10 years since they passed, I read your words and wish that I could have had more moments with them. Not so much in the type of time but in the frequency of time. I’m sure my brother was unhappy when one of our parents (often my father since he lived longer) would talk about the newest adventure that I had planned while he and his wife filled pill boxes and arranged groceries. I wish I could talk with my brother about this.
The road ahead isn't always clear. What's important is that there is a road and, while it isn't always an easy route to take, it can still include joy and growth and love - so much love. 🫶 Wishing you and yours peace + safe travels as you make your way to whatever each next drive holds.
I wish you Clarity and love. This happened to my aunt and uncle at almost the same time, and they were 69 and 71. Always been very healthy and full of life, traveling, entertaining, playing golf and tennis. They had no children and I was the closest of the nieces/nephews. We moved them closer to me, so like you a 5 min drive. I don’t deny it changed me. My boys were 13 and 15. It really changed us all. We had some very precious moments with them. My boys learned a different kind of patience and not to fear what comes with getting old. There were middle of the night hospital visits with falls, until the last one that was not recoverable. My uncle who was worse off, had long since been bedridden. But my aunt remembered me up until that last fall. I so wish, of course, they never had to go through this. But. It gave me a new love of the now, taught me to push through and gave me the confidence that I could manage pain and “bad” things. They lived 2 1/2 years in the memory unit down the hall from each other and died within. 18 days of each other at 71 and 73. Too young. When I make a good meal, or pick a bouquet of flowers or put on some funky jewelry or go to an exotic hole-in-the-wall restaurant I smile with the memories that we had together (she was the “fun” aunt), but I also thank them for this inner peace they gave me…..no need to chase dreams…..I know what is important…deep in my bones, I know.
@JennV and Ali - I was the one who flew across the country to visit. Sometimes I was timed those trips to appointments and when I/we were in town, I’d fill the time with as much every day life as possible. It fell to my brother to be the person on the ground most of the time. He, his family and our large extended family were caring and wonderful to both of my parents. With the perspective of time 3 & 10 years since they passed, I read your words and wish that I could have had more moments with them. Not so much in the type of time but in the frequency of time. I’m sure my brother was unhappy when one of our parents (often my father since he lived longer) would talk about the newest adventure that I had planned while he and his wife filled pill boxes and arranged groceries. I wish I could talk with my brother about this.
This one made me tear up. 🥺🥹
The road ahead isn't always clear. What's important is that there is a road and, while it isn't always an easy route to take, it can still include joy and growth and love - so much love. 🫶 Wishing you and yours peace + safe travels as you make your way to whatever each next drive holds.