This weekend we had another opportunity to be the meat in the sandwich generation. We are now in the process (along with the whole family) of cleaning out and going through Grandma Katherine's house. She will not be coming home. Her ankle is not healing and along with other ailments she will not be able to walk nor come home. She needs constant care. In order to make this happen the family will be selling her house.
This is a very emotional time. And a very stressful time as all the kids (and by kids I mean kids in their 50's&60's) have busy, working life's and only a couple live close... which leaves the care and visiting up to them. The rest of us have to travel several (between 3-5 hours) to be there.
I'm sure we all remember the story of the lady that had beautiful slips in her drawer.. never worn because they were so beautiful and 'special' and she didn't want to ruin them. Well when the family packed up her items.. there were the slips.. sent off to goodwill... never worn.. never enjoyed! I guess what I got out of this weekend is to ENJOY LIFE!!! Wear the slips (even around the house if that feels good). Play the games, break out the new candles and dishes for (dare I say it) ... EVERYDAY. Life is meant to be enjoyed, and there is so much of it that is not quite enjoyable... so ENJOY the things we can. Take the trips! Make the memories. This is not so much a post for others as it is a reminder for me.
I'm hoping that if I write it down I will be reminded of the good/great things of life and enjoy them~
In another related story... as you may surmise that as you get older your hearing goes bad! In church yesterday my mother sits with several of her friends (all in their 80's) and they got to talking just a LITTLE TOO LOUD during class and I had to say.... OK GIRLS QUIET.... only.... in order for them to hear me... yep you get it... we caused quite a scene!! The tables were turned... I am the mother/caregiver/authoritative figure and I don't like it one bit. I don't like telling her what to do because, well frankly she doesn't do what I say!!!. (and I just got through this stage with my kids....) And so it begins again.
7 Wonderful People Who Commented:
Yep, I guess we've all got a little bit of this "Seize the Day" stuff rattling around in us lately, huh? I love how you told this story!
I'm going to wear my pretty silk for-special-occasions-only pj's tonight! Thanks for the reminder!!
I remember how hard it was going through my husband's mothers stuff and selling the house. But it was also a time when the family was together, and that's always a good thing.
I will wear my slips!
=)
So by, "just got through it with my kids" does that mean we do what you say now? :P
I'm learning more and more about how to enjoy life while I'm in it. I know a lot of people who are always rushing, rushing to the next thing and so never enjoy life.
((HUGS)) I am so sorry your grandmother, you, and your family have to go through this. It is so heartbreaking. I live my parents now, due to the situation I'm in right now, and I notice that they cannot do the things they used to. It is so heartbreaking to see and I want to help them so much. They work so hard just to keep the "money-pit" home over their heads and have no time to enjoy life.
Thanks for this wonderful reminder post.
Sending love to Grandma Katherine!! I hope sorting out Grandma's things is not too painful for you!
xxxx
I actually started to cry reading this post thank you.. we are doing the same for grandma and grandpas house this coming months. difference is there are a lot of hidden things HAHAH you know why :-P... but thank you for this read
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