www.stephanieyoungrosen.com
This past week was unremitting. Exhausting. Jory had business in Los Angeles, and all three kids were on spring break. Non-stop. On top of that, what's been really hard is that my mom is not progressing as hoped in rehab after her hip surgery. In fact, a new environment and schedule has triggered her dementia. This has meant many many many daily phone calls (to her, Dad, Rehab place, nearby friends) and texts (to siblings). Aging takes its toll - on all of us. Simply put, what is not growing EVERY DAY is withering, whether it be our muscles, our balance, our mind, our courage, our emotional capacity or our very spirit. This past week has made me think hard about how best to maximize and celebrate the time I have left on this earth. Simply put, as I am dealing with numerous conditions that my parents are suffering from, I’ve felt discouraged, sad and helpless (hence the delay in my blog). I cannot change their lives. I can only become proactive in my own in a way I wish they had in theirs. After much reflection, I've decided I want to continually engage in and grow in (the below) five areas. I'm not implying that focusing thusly will eradicate suffering, loss, and hardship as I age. All of that is part of life, which we are here to fully experience. Instead, I believe investing in these areas will infuse my life with greater quality and joy. Thankfully, I am lucky to have friends who show me, through own examples of going above and beyond, how best to navigate these crucial areas:
One of the most challenging aspects of moving to NM is leaving all these exceptional women (all live in LA). Of course, we’re staying in touch, but as things are opening up, I’ll miss getting together for lunch, or book groups or pool time or walks on the beach. Having these women as friends and guides in my life reminds me of how true Frank Lloyd Wright’s observation is: “The longer I live, the more beautiful life becomes.” I am so grateful for them.
6 Comments
Linda Morton
3/23/2021 06:27:26 pm
I am so sorry about your mom. I hope things turn around for her. Dealing with aging parents can be so hard and involves all kinds of emotions.
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Steph
3/26/2021 07:47:33 am
Thanks for your kind - and very true - words Linda. Really appreciate your empathy!!
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Fred
3/23/2021 09:22:16 pm
The gas isn't just metaphorical.
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Steph
3/26/2021 07:48:28 am
My kids would agree!! One of their favorite things to add in to any conversation.....
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Lauri
3/24/2021 07:00:11 am
Beautifully said. Sometimes just making it through the day/week is an accomplishment! But to do it while also exercising your body and mind, maintaining friendships, creating art/writing, and eating intentionally?! You are absolutely crushing it. <3
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Steph
3/26/2021 07:56:21 am
Thanks Lauri. I'm really seeing first-hand how quality of life comes from these things - or the lack thereof....kind of took it for granted before....
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AuthorSteph: friend, writer, wife, mother, sister, daughter, lover of life, and of chocolate. Archives
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