My mother died at the beginning of the year. Thank you to everyone who has expressed sympathies. I appreciate your support and kind words very much. Death in real life differs from death on television. On television, people collapse in inconsolable puddles. In real life, there’s much to do. And that’s before you get to the bureaucracy of estates. My mom’s memorial service is this … Continue reading Death and busywork – an off-the-cuff joint.
On grief and grieving. Did you know that Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’ 1969 book “On Death and Dying” was written for medical practitioners? She wanted to address the treatment protocols for dying patients by providing information to fellow practitioners on what the experience was like for their terminal patients. It’s not a blueprint for people going through the grieving process after they’ve lost someone as I always … Continue reading The fractured nature of (my) grief.
I’ve spent the last two weeks packing up things I no longer need, culling the surfeit of possessions I’ve acquired during my adult years with a ruthlessness I’ve not been able to bring to bear before. I am cleaning house. It’s not all for donation. I’m biting the bullet and having a garage sale. I’ve got the date set – the weekend of September 15th … Continue reading I’m an empty nester – an off-the-cuff joint.
I don’t come from a demonstrative family. We’re not cuddles and hugs. We’re respectful distance and assumptions about feelings. I don’t remember hearing “I love you” much growing up. I don’t remember hearing it said between my parents, and I don’t remember hearing it said to us, though I’m sure it was. My parents say it now, and children are scads more appealing as toddlers. … Continue reading Love is a verb.
From Famine to Feast. 