June 4, 2008

  • Two Stages of Life

    Here are the prospective parents-to-be sitting on our deck last month.  We've had lots of rain this spring, so everything is beautifully green.  Iltflinthills has a regular checkup today, so I'll be eager to talk to her tonight.  (Poor thing.  I just can't leave her alone.  I hope I won't be an annoying grandma.)

    Today is also my parents' 53rd wedding anniversary.  I telephoned them to wish them a happy day.  However, Mom and Dad are justifiably sad.  They've just learned that Uncle B. (my dad's older brother) has to move to a nursing home.  Aunt L. will stay in their apartment.  Uncle B. and Aunt L. have been married for 65 years; this is the first time they will live separately.  This really is one of those times when getting older is not such a wonderful thing.

    Thirty-four years ago I worked as a temporary office helper for Uncle B. while his secretary was on her dream vacation to Europe.  I hope I never forget just how kind Uncle B. was to me, especially since I was really only good at answering the telephone.

    I think I'm one of the lucky ones.  I have the next generation to help remind me to enjoy the present and anticipate the future since I can't do anything about the relentless forward march of time.