Nurturing ourselves and nourishing our loved ones….it’s a delicate balancing act, isn’t it? Though we might pretend otherwise, the timing is rarely our own. And so it is that I’m headed to Connecticut this morning. I’ll be away for about a week–perhaps more, if circumstances warrant.
I wish it was going to be a fun trip, but sadly it’s not. I’m packing up my in-laws’ belongings, and shuttering the cute little cottage where they’ve been living the past couple of years.
You might recall that, in July 2009, I helped them move from their longtime home atop a hill in rural Connecticut. (Remember Dante, and the Millerton coffeshop?) Seems like it was just yesterday, but so much has changed since then! After celebrating 72 years of marriage—after being inseparable for countless "goodnights" and "good mornings"—they’ve been wrenched apart by health-related circumstances. Now, they’re wholly disengaged from the world around them. Simply put: they’re pining for each other…for what used to be and is no more. L
I can’t ease their pain, but I can help smooth the transition. So I’m sliding out of my flip-flops and packing my warmest clothing. I’ll only be gone for a short while, but I’ve got lots of ground to cover before I return.
Take good care of yourselves, and kiss your loved ones. I’ll be back soon, but will miss you in the meantime. xoxo
And of course I know of this situation from our exchange earlier in the week. So sorry for your sweet in-laws–72 years of marriage! That is almost inconceivable, and wonderful.
I’ll be thinking of you. (And yes, warm clothing. It’s -10 F this morning, here. [most days are not this cold, though!])
72 years together! How blessed. And blessed that they have you to help them.
I think next week is going to warm up into the 20s and 30s! You might have to wear all your clothes at once!
*wishing you strength*
It Is A Small World, After All
Safe flight, be strong. You know you’re in our prayers and we’re all as near as your keyboard.
This morning on one of the writers forums I follow, a man somewhere in the NE area was talking about visiting the warmer climes of Southern California via the Phoebe cam.
Everybody sing!
Emjae
Inknbeans.com
(((HUGS))), prayers, and peaceful thoughts for you all!
(((HUGS)))I’ll be thinking of you, my sweet friend. I wish you a peaceful trip and safe travels.
Have a good trip. Make a snow angel if you can.
I’m so sorry. I wish I could ease both your journey and theirs. Safe trip, and good thoughts to you all
Oh Melodye, what a hard, hard trip to have to make but I am so glad that you are there for them.
72 years of marriage is so astounding that I am simply cheering at the love that has held them together and hope there are threads of that, still near the surface, for them to hold on to too.
Sounds like they’ve had a blessed life so far. I’m glad they have you to help during this difficult time. Have a safe journey.
((Hugs)) I’m having caretaking stress myself right now, so I know how you feel…Have a safe trip, and stay warm.
Love to you and peace on your trip.
I’m all weepy thinking about you and your brave heart off to help two whose hearts are breaking with their love for one another.
Sending all good (warm) thoughts to you on your journey…
*HUGS* Be safe and travel well, my friend. I’m sending you all lots of love and peaceful thoughts. We’ll see you when you return.