Comments on: Going Home–While You Still Can

By: Barbara

Barbara — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:55:23 +0000

@Angela H., I’m glad I inspired you! I’m so lucky I still have both of mine and they live relatively close. I get ashamed that I take all of that for granted too often. I hope you have a wonderful trip! Give your mom a hug for me

By: Angela H.

Angela H. — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:59:45 +0000

This post drove home not only the responsibility but the gift of making time for one’s aging parents. I’ve already lost my father. My mom lives 2,000 miles away so I have to fly there, with all the time, expense and frustration that goes with that. And yet, the value is incalculable. I’m going to book my flight today, thanks to you!

By: Barbara

Barbara — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 21:35:47 +0000

@delicate flower,
Thank you for letting me know you could relate to my post!
Good luck with your situation…I think any mother/daughter connection is going to be bordered by land mines. At least she has apologized and you know she loves you! And in those tough situations when you just have to bite your tongue, you can always remember you’re modeling for your sons! I’m glad you’re going to think about opening up your heart – I hope that even if you feel some pain because of it, you feel even more love.

Barbara

By: delicate flower

delicate flower — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:11:46 +0000

I’m relating here on a number of levels… Firstly, the chaos of writing and work, lists,etc…..
I want my sons to feel, not an obligation, but a desire to visit me to stay in touch.. at ages 24 and 28, I’m not on the top of their list and I understand. I guess visiting my mom more often and letting my sons know would be good modeling.
My mother lives a short 3 miles away and I do not see her as often as I might. Years of tension and disapproval of some of my life choices linger in the background. She has apologized and sincerely loves me but I find it hard to let my guard down. Your post will help me to think a little more about opening my heart up.
Thank you…

By: Barbara

Barbara — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 12:54:53 +0000

@Joanna Jenkins,

Wow, you are doing great to see your folks 4 to 5 times a year considering they live that far away from you! Obviously, you understand what I’m talking about and don’t take them or the time you spend with them for granted. Kudos to you!

- Barbara

By: Joanna Jenkins

Joanna Jenkins — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 05:25:33 +0000

Boy can I relate this this post Jane! Well said. The older I get the more I think about these kinds of things. My folks are 2500 miles away and I travel home 4-5 times a year. I wish it was more but I cherish all my time with them.

Hope you have a great trip. Safe travels.

By: Barbara

Barbara — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 20:01:02 +0000

@Carol Grannick,
Less sleep? That is great news, considering no matter how hard I try, I can’t seem to get in bed early enough to get more than 6 hours a night! (I still feel like I need more though…)

By: Carol Grannick

Carol Grannick — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:09:11 +0000

Thanks for this beautiful post on how you plan to spend the time you have. On an associated topic, I was thrilled to hear on the news this morning the results of a recent study on decreased need for sleep as we age…More time at the time of life when we really appreciate having it!