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I was 21 when I first administered the " last Offices" to a patient, I
must have done it hundreds and hundreds of times since
The elderly man had lived s...
21 hours ago
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ReplyDeleteWhen we first arrived to live on the island we lived in a family compound, four houses around a common courtyard and we ate together most days. I hated it back then. No privacy at all. Now my daughter lives in that house. We moved to the hills and freedom. She loves it. Her aunt lives in the house below and two cousins across that small courtyard. They are always together, yell out good morning to each other, always have help and understanding, a baby sitter, and eat and laugh together. I am glad to be a part of all that but also a little apart.
ReplyDeleteThere are lots of advantages to that sort of life style, and I suppose one or two disadvantages. But to me it seems ideal.
DeleteIt all depends on where the work is. We move away and distances between family members can now be half a world away.
ReplyDeleteAs are mine.
DeleteTime was when your family all lived close at hand and whole families looked after one another's children and shared family occasions. Sadly those times are past and I don't suppose they will ever come again.
ReplyDeleteShame isn't it. Those days were better for all involved.
DeleteWe are so lucky. Our eldest daughter lives 11 miles away, the youngest lives 1 mile away, my sister lives 6 miles away and my eldest granddaughter lives with us! We all meet up every sunday for a "roast" and at other times throughout the week various combinations meet up.
ReplyDeleteFor example, tomorrow I shall pick up my youngest granddaughter from school to stay with us while her parents are working away and before giving my grandson a lift to work. It all works well for us. Not everybody's cup of tea I know.
That sounds very good, and I bet they all love coming to the farm. Two of mine, and their children, are in Oz, and one, and his boys, are in London. It would be nicer if they were nearer, but that's modern living I suppose.
DeleteA melancholic post, Cro. Heartfelt. So good when any of us can show our more vulnerable side.
ReplyDeleteBy way of scant comfort: Even if not in close vicinity, and with a bit of luck, you do live in your (grand) children's hearts.
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That's a nice thought; and I hope you're right. Thank you.
DeleteI don't normally comment here but I do lurk ! This post made me feel very sad. I remember, as a child in the north of England, all my family lived within a few streets of us. Life seemed idyllic. We see our children and grandchildren fairy frequently, but only for flying visits, as their schedules are so busy. No more the lazy days spent together enjoying each others company. Shouldn't complain, but I wish everyone would slow down a bit. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteThe pace of life combined with international mobility has changed our lives dramatically over the past 50 years or so. It has it's advantages, but hasn't done much good for family life.
DeleteAh, I had missed your previous post...and yes, I get it. We are approaching a very quiet Christmas with only three of us gathered here and I am looking back on years gone by when there were 24. I must say I didn't really enjoy it at the time . It was so much work in the heat but the company certainly was fun. Now the elderly ones are scattered and so are the young ones and each family has to take its turn with in-laws which leaves us on duty with one 95 year old in a Nursing Home while the others are off with other family. I also wish we were not so spread out all over the country these days.
ReplyDeleteWith so many of us thinking the same way, it's surprising that we don't do something about it. We had hoped to have some family living nearby, but they've gone off to Oz again for the sunshine.
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