Discussion about this post

User's avatar
James Parsons's avatar

Beth, many aspects of your story reminds me of when Heather’s dad, Jack, was still alive. The challenges of caring for the very elderly exist even in small things (“very” is intended to exclude those of us who are over 50 but don’t feel so old - yet). I applaud your effort and love for your dad. I have been seeing my parents more regularly- they are in their lower to mid-80s. I definitely get many aspects of your story.

I think your writing in long-form narratives give richness to real life. Too many things are pushing short form and ignore many textures of life in favor of Tweets or simply texts. The efforts to overly glamorize harder aspects of life also suggests that those aspects must be hidden. For that reason often the elderly feel they must stay hidden. However, they are capable of love, joy, institutional knowledge and history. I think they should be valued as you exemplified. You bring them forward for celebration and a bit of empathy. We all will be in their boat soon enough. May those who come after us show similar patience and love.

Expand full comment
Annie Potts's avatar

Just wonderful! What a terrific writer you are!!

Expand full comment
10 more comments...

No posts