Two years after my Dad died and after a year of falls and infections and 6 weeks confined to a hospital bed, my Mom died. This past week family and friends gathered to laugh and to cry together. And to remember and to celebrate my Mom’s life. High School Valedictorian. Owner of a red convertible. Strong enough and in love enough to get on an airplane for the first time in her life in 1952 to fly to Alaska to marry my Dad. Elementary school teacher. Square dancer. And, so much more.
With her death, in our family, a generation passes away.
Now it is us.
We are the oldest.
The next up.
With my Dad’s death two years ago and with my Mom’s declining health this past year I have become ever more aware of my own mortality. As a friend said to me. We are in the final chapter of my life. I live with the questions.
How will I use the time I have left?
What can I learn from my parents about how will I manage my own declining health? How will I live towards my own death?
I have no answers.
Only the questions.
Lee Robbins says
March 3, 2018 at 7:10 pmPaul – saddened to hear about your Mother. It hurts even when we are know this day will come. Enjoy all the wonderful memories.
One of your best.
Grant says
March 4, 2018 at 11:29 amPaul, as you grieve the loss of your parents may you also find healing in remembering all the ways you learned from them . Maybe retirement is like commencement where you move out of the schooling of your life experiences into new opportunities for serving in ways you will discover. You have been a source of growth and inspiration for many, as you have used the gifts your parents bestowed on you,. Like them, you gifted your own family and others, and, as you learned from them, that won’t stop as long as you breathe
Anne says
March 5, 2018 at 7:52 amMay the passing of the torch of Elders give you more determination to live your life to the fullest the best way you can in whatever way it means for you. Live with gratitude for everything and let your heart shine brightly.
Laura C Prichard says
March 5, 2018 at 12:25 pmDear Paul,
Our family is thinking of you, Shodie and the boys during this difficult time. You have enriched so many of our lives with the wonderful qualities that both your parents passed to you. Your kindnesses are everywhere!
May you find great peace in the days to come.
Much love, Laura
Paul Alcorn says
March 7, 2018 at 3:08 pmThank you Laura.