Reflections of a Daughter of the Silent Generation and Mother of Generation Y
I worried when Mom died, we might lose Cinnamon too. Then, somewhere along the way, she reset her sights. It was as if the love we’d given her as a puppy, she gave to Mom during their life together, and all the love Mom gave her during that time, Cinnamon was passing on to us now.
—excerpt from Living Is for Living: A Caregiver’s Story
I was lucky that this sweet, funny, intelligent, kick ass, sassy woman was my aunt and that her daughters and their spouses were part of my village. I hoped we’d see Mom through her life with the steady, patient and brave approach that helped them see Aunt Joan through hers. I was thankful to them for showing me that it could be done.
—excerpt from Living Is for Living: A Caregiver’s Story
It was an honor to be one of 130 Maine athletes to attend the National Senior Games where I played on Team Phoenix. Watching women, ages 50-90, play basketball, not only inspired me, it gave me hope – I wanted to be kicking ass when I’m in my eighties and beyond too!
—excerpt from Living Is for Living: A Caregiver’s Story
That Father’s Day, sixteen years since Dad died, I heard him heckle when I missed foul shots, laugh when I threw elbows, and cheer when I backed someone down. When I worried about missed opportunities, I recalled his “don’t worry about what’s over and done.” And, when I noticed the 85+-year-old men playing on a neighboring court, I imagined Dad and his killer hook shot in their midst. Too bad I didn’t get that gene!
—excerpt from Living Is for Living: A Caregiver’s Story
Stepping away from caregiving to fly to the 2019 Senior National Basketball Games in New Mexico wasn’t easy. It helped to know that, if she could, Mom would be cheering us on.
—excerpt from Living Is for Living: A Caregiver’s Story
When I thought back on a lifetime with Mom (54 years and counting), I recalled her words, like salve to my soul. As reserved as she was, the words she chose stood out – even the ones that stung when delivered, felt like love now.
—excerpt from Living Is for Living: A Caregiver’s Stor
In support of a member facing a cancer diagnosis, her team had handed out bracelets with the words No One FIGHTS Alone! Running errands and thinking of this fierce, kind and resilient athlete, I pulled into Dunkin Donuts for an afternoon pick-up. When the guy in front of me bought my cup of coffee, it was the high five I needed, reminding me to reach out to others too.
—excerpt from Living Is for Living: A Caregiver’s Story
Why bother having kids if friendship isn’t the ultimate goal? That doesn’t mean abdicating parental responsibilities, it means building honest communication, when our kids are little and when they’re big. It’s not always easy; still, it seems to me, it’s the whole point.
—excerpt from Living Is for Living: A Caregiver’s Story
Mission accomplished. 170 years looked pretty damn good.
—excerpt from Living Is for Living: A Caregiver’s Story
Deep vein thrombosis, her leg all swollen and blue, and we feared a bleed.
On blood thinner now, filter protecting her lungs, home to recover.
Compression stocking, why are you so freakin’ tight? No more blood clots, right?
Noticing the bench, “I played piano on that…” she says with a smile.
“Is that Mother’s chair?” I nod at the needlepoint, “Is she still around?”
“About the baby, can we make a plan to see?” a great grandma now.
Behind her at work, the builder pounding away, making our home sound.
Ever resilient, her eyes as blue as the sea, a cat with nine lives.
Mom sits with a book, dog in lap rocking a way, a smile on my face.
Eighty-five years young, expect the unexpected, one day at a time.
—from Living Is for Living: A Caregiver’s Story
