I turned 55 two weeks ago, and received a precious compliment. I worked the 6-2 shift at Trader Joe’s on my birthday, and during my final hour on the floor, was called into the back room. Two dozen of my fellow crew sang and presented me with a very fine chocolate sheet cake. (If you work at TJ’s on your actual birthday, you are guaranteed cake.)
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!