This touched me, Hugo. As the oldest- er, senior ranking member of 25 maternal first cousins, I was unexpectedly saddened at the death last month of cousin #4. Not only was she the first to die (am visualizing dominoes here) but we haven't even lost anyone in our mothers' generation. Heck, our grandmere JUST died a few months ago at the age of 102. So yeah, although I didn't know Marylou well, we share the ancestors and the history and the stories. It's hard.
What a beautiful reflection! Thank you! I was especially touched by your understanding how much one enjoys the company of one's historical 'cohort': "When you are very old, when you go out to meet new people, it might be a happiness to have a moment with someone who remembers your world when it was young". Of course what one misses the most are those loved ones - family members and friends - who know about the events in your family, and your personal history, (as the Duke of Kent would when he and the Queen get together!). It is a special kind of loneliness when there is nobody left who knew your mother, and to whom you can say "remember when?".
This touched me, Hugo. As the oldest- er, senior ranking member of 25 maternal first cousins, I was unexpectedly saddened at the death last month of cousin #4. Not only was she the first to die (am visualizing dominoes here) but we haven't even lost anyone in our mothers' generation. Heck, our grandmere JUST died a few months ago at the age of 102. So yeah, although I didn't know Marylou well, we share the ancestors and the history and the stories. It's hard.
What a beautiful reflection! Thank you! I was especially touched by your understanding how much one enjoys the company of one's historical 'cohort': "When you are very old, when you go out to meet new people, it might be a happiness to have a moment with someone who remembers your world when it was young". Of course what one misses the most are those loved ones - family members and friends - who know about the events in your family, and your personal history, (as the Duke of Kent would when he and the Queen get together!). It is a special kind of loneliness when there is nobody left who knew your mother, and to whom you can say "remember when?".
Excellent! Top notch. More of this, Hugo!