Last Thursday, I shared stories about some of my In-Home Support clients in Santa Cruz County, CA. Today I'll wind up with a few more and then discuss what I learned.
A wonderful sequel and conclusion, Sue; a truly beautiful post. Thank you.
One of my closest friends is over thirty years older than me, and she is my absolute favourite person to have a conversation with.
I remember reading something absolutely gorgeous years ago - I'd come across it when my very elderly grandmother was still around. The words I read were a push for the reader to remember that the little old lady they know who has limited horizons used to be that beautiful young girl whizzing past you on her bicycle giggling. That's the essence of what I'd read - I'm sure there's a proper quote along those lines somewhere!
Thank you for this wonderful response to these stories. Indeed, what we see today of a person's life is not what they were when they were "our age." And we are destined to be living in that limited horizon, possibly even more limited by dementia. I too have a dear friend, met through our common interest in horse riding, that is eighteen years older than me and now lives in dementia care in a facility she and her husband moved to nearer their children. She misses their old home in Truckee, CA and she was very confused about this "big house with all the people" they moved to. Now, I haven't been able to hear directly from her or her husband, not by phone or email. It's really hard to know my friend is now gone from me and she won't hear my voice anymore. That's what she would say during a phone call, "I really miss your voice and am so glad to hear it again." I guess it was like being "back home" again.
Thank you, Rebecca, for your very astute comments on these stories. I really appreciate it.
Gosh, Sue, it's so sad when those people of whom we are most fond melt away from us. Sending love. I bet you've got a million fabulous memories of your friend and your shared love for horseriding, and I'm sure you think of both her and your recollections often.
thank you for your kindness, Rebecca. Yes, we spent many happy hours together. Perhaps a story about Boots is coming soon. She deserves a good write up. Amazing lady.
This post is so beautiful, Sue! I spent a lot of time in my youth surfing on the beaches and hiking in the mountains of Santa Cruz, never knowing or thinking about the lives of all the people in the homes around the county.
I've never understood the idea of having a "purpose " in life, other than to enjoy yourself. For me that was outdoor activities like hiking or skiing in winter. Never cost me much. Now it seems everyone is lazy so they buy 4 wheelers for summer and snowmobiles for winter. Multiple ones per family, and very expensive. I've never wanted a big expensive home either. When asked what i do with guest with only a one bedroom apartment i say if they can't sleep on the pull out sofa there's a hotel close by. It's not my responsibility to provide space for others. This is one reason why all my girlfriends left me 😆 It seems women want to be able to show off their homes to others, especially other women.
So, to wrinkles, literary. At 74 I don't iron my clothes. I tell people I'm wrinkled, so my clothes might as well be.
Gee, I'm sorry you think women are just too hospitable. By the sound of your digs, maybe there wasn't much to show off, but they wanted to hang out with their visitors. Glad you were able to have a good tie without a lot of money. There's not much cost in hiking, etc. But why do you have to disparage those who live differently than you do? If they want to spend their money on toys, why is that a concern of yours. Meanwhile, your whole comment has nothing to do with what I wrote about. Did you even read it?
A wonderful sequel and conclusion, Sue; a truly beautiful post. Thank you.
One of my closest friends is over thirty years older than me, and she is my absolute favourite person to have a conversation with.
I remember reading something absolutely gorgeous years ago - I'd come across it when my very elderly grandmother was still around. The words I read were a push for the reader to remember that the little old lady they know who has limited horizons used to be that beautiful young girl whizzing past you on her bicycle giggling. That's the essence of what I'd read - I'm sure there's a proper quote along those lines somewhere!
Thank you for this wonderful response to these stories. Indeed, what we see today of a person's life is not what they were when they were "our age." And we are destined to be living in that limited horizon, possibly even more limited by dementia. I too have a dear friend, met through our common interest in horse riding, that is eighteen years older than me and now lives in dementia care in a facility she and her husband moved to nearer their children. She misses their old home in Truckee, CA and she was very confused about this "big house with all the people" they moved to. Now, I haven't been able to hear directly from her or her husband, not by phone or email. It's really hard to know my friend is now gone from me and she won't hear my voice anymore. That's what she would say during a phone call, "I really miss your voice and am so glad to hear it again." I guess it was like being "back home" again.
Thank you, Rebecca, for your very astute comments on these stories. I really appreciate it.
Gosh, Sue, it's so sad when those people of whom we are most fond melt away from us. Sending love. I bet you've got a million fabulous memories of your friend and your shared love for horseriding, and I'm sure you think of both her and your recollections often.
xxx
thank you for your kindness, Rebecca. Yes, we spent many happy hours together. Perhaps a story about Boots is coming soon. She deserves a good write up. Amazing lady.
Looking forward to it, Sue. 😘
This post is so beautiful, Sue! I spent a lot of time in my youth surfing on the beaches and hiking in the mountains of Santa Cruz, never knowing or thinking about the lives of all the people in the homes around the county.
Thank you, Jason. I was worried this piece was too long. I hope you are well and recovering from the incident by the river.
I've never understood the idea of having a "purpose " in life, other than to enjoy yourself. For me that was outdoor activities like hiking or skiing in winter. Never cost me much. Now it seems everyone is lazy so they buy 4 wheelers for summer and snowmobiles for winter. Multiple ones per family, and very expensive. I've never wanted a big expensive home either. When asked what i do with guest with only a one bedroom apartment i say if they can't sleep on the pull out sofa there's a hotel close by. It's not my responsibility to provide space for others. This is one reason why all my girlfriends left me 😆 It seems women want to be able to show off their homes to others, especially other women.
So, to wrinkles, literary. At 74 I don't iron my clothes. I tell people I'm wrinkled, so my clothes might as well be.
Gee, I'm sorry you think women are just too hospitable. By the sound of your digs, maybe there wasn't much to show off, but they wanted to hang out with their visitors. Glad you were able to have a good tie without a lot of money. There's not much cost in hiking, etc. But why do you have to disparage those who live differently than you do? If they want to spend their money on toys, why is that a concern of yours. Meanwhile, your whole comment has nothing to do with what I wrote about. Did you even read it?