Comments on: What A Midlife Crisis Feels Like

By: Karen

Karen — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 02:24:44 +0000

b–what encouraging words. I too found that the sadness of my aunt’s death was softened somewhat with the wonderful time I spent with 3 generations of cousins ranging from 5 to 75 years old. Pretty amazing, huh! Thanks for sharing this–it helped me focus on the positive.

Nana–OMG. I’m so sorry to hear about your sister. I have a younger sister and I can’t imagine how I would feel if anything happened to her. I know you’re still grieving–it’s never over. So know that you’re in my prayers, Nana and thanks for sharing an important perspective.

Chris–today is a better day. I do try always to see the brighter side of life but the last few days have been challenging. But Aunt Hazel would have said “Chin up.” And so that’s where mine is.

Jane–you’re so right. Blogging is a place where we can give a communal moan and get instant support. What an incredible blessing. How did we live without this amazing community of virtual friends. I swear I don’t know!

Rod–you and I have share some roller coaster moments as we supported each other in challenging times. Know that I appreciate your thoughtful words today and take them very much to heart.

Stacey–thanks for these warm wishes from my favorite banker. If anyone has the opportunity to bank with Fifth Third, take it. It’s my cheers!

Allison–caught those hugs and prayers. Thanks for sending and thanks for reminding me of the blessings I still have. But you’re right about getting older. It’s sobering — and beyond.

To all of you who took the time to comment and give me much-needed support during this difficult week—

Thanks for being there.

Karen

By: Allison

Allison — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:14:23 +0000

I am so sorry, I can only guess how difficult that must be. I’m fortunate enough that this hasn’t begun happening yet for me personally, but 3 friends lost their mothers last year and it began to dawn on me that this is a big part of getting older. It’s sobering.

I’m glad you have your sister and little Peanut, that has to be a source of comfort in the middle of your sadness.

Sending a hug and some prayers your way….

By: Stacey

Stacey — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 21:52:57 +0000

I am truly sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.

By: Rod

Rod — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 16:49:15 +0000

Karen,
One of the thoughts that I live with on a daily basis, especially when life is weighing me down, is “I’m glad I won’t feel this way forever.” Our feelings change on a frequent and regular basis and the emotions you’re experiencing right now are exactly the ones you should be experiencing.
But you larger role in the scheme of things is to be a brave, honest and progressive voice for your many readers. You have always been that for me and your honesty in identifying and sharing your thoughts is what makes you a unique, singular and valuable voice for all of your readers.
Love always,
Rod

By: ByJane

ByJane — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 01:08:21 +0000

I know the feeling. For me it happens when I see my nieces and nephews as all-grownup parents. Or when I bend down to put lotion on my leg after a shower and, my god, what’s with all this crepey skin. This, darlin’, is why we do this blogging thing, so’s we can moan about it to each other and have an audience.

By: Chris

Chris — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:18:32 +0000

I am sorry to hear about your aunt. As I get older, some days I too feel like there is too much “ending” going on, and not enough “beginning” …but it’s sad to read someone so strong like you feeling so down. I hope that you will find comfort in knowing that your writings bring a lot of inspiration to others out here in the blog world and I’m sure the same is true with the people who know you in person. Hang in there; tomorrow is a new day.

By: Nana

Nana — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:12:26 +0000

I’m so sorry you lost your dear aunt. I can certainly sympathize with you. My baby sister died about a month ago in a car accident. She was supposed to die AFTER me, and certainly after my parents, who are still alive to grieve for a lost child.

This year will really be different without my sister, especially for my parents and my sister’s big family, who all live in Florida. Because my sister was the only kid who lived near my parents, I am heading to Florida this year, even though my own kids are all gathering together here at my house.

Were I my younger self, I might not have made this decision, but as we get older, we understand better the importance of being there for loved ones in any way we can. We know that someday we will want the same from them.

Best to you as you cope with the loss of your loved one.
Nana
http://www.nanadiaries.com

By: b

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 18:56:53 +0000

Oh darlin’!

I too have been experiencing what you described so well in this post.
Favourite parents, aunties and uncles falling prey to the ailments of the elderly: dementia, illness, death.

Last month, I participated in a very convivial reunion of cousins from one side of the family. As adults, the 10 of us had never created an opportunity to spend time together and ‘bond’ – until now. What with the passing of our parents’ generation, we’re realizing that our generation is now ‘it’. The ‘cuzzies’ range in age from 40-60 yrs. and we want to be ‘the kids’ again. But no. Instead, we struggle to survive the loss of the previous gen. We want to and need to move ahead in spite of the emptiness and the lingering pain of their being gone.

Our hope is to create some excellent, joyful and caring moments of our own and have precious family memories for our own offspring to remember – and consider – in their futures…

Thinking of you.