4 thoughts on “it was the best of times, it… had some other times, too.”

1. Meg, you capture so much, so well. I understand. I am at the Poppa point with my 80-year-old mom.

2. Yes, the later chapters are bittersweet. They call for a lot of forgiveness and understanding. They challenge us to grow despite our own gray hairs. They require a certain submission to it all as well, to the big mystery. For some, that is the hard part. We see ourselves more and more in major and minor characters and in between the lines as we read on.

3. No way are you a selfish brat, Meg. And anyone who really was, would never even consider it as a possibility.

   Reading this post, I was thinking that maybe your real gift to all of us is just in writing the truth about your life and your family and where you are from and where you are now… because you really do show so many of us that there are other possibilities… those of us who in the past have dreaded family holidays.

   We can find something really good and sustaining in sharing your memories.

   As for the rest… it isn’t easy to lose the people who stand between you and your own mortality. Fortunately, you still have quite a few family members to show you a few things before you get there yourself.

   I’m down to an elderly uncle, a few cousins, and my siblings (and I’M the oldest!). Yikes!!! ;~)

4. Beautifully put, Meg. You are wiser and more thoughtful than you think.

   No matter how “old” we get, there is nothing to totally prepare us for handling the inevitable changes and losses in our lives.

   This week, we are facing the decision to have our 17 year-old dog/companion/bestest buddy put down. He has been at the end of his days for months now. The signs of his suffering have begun. And we have been trying to avoid facing it. But the time has come and we must…….. :(