I posted recently about a family member who has recently begun, outwardly at least, experiencing anxiety and depression.
The update is thus: said elderly member of the family has been to a Doctor and is receiving help. Specifics I do not know, but I do know that it's being attended to. I still feel deep and everlasting shame that I was not able to help. That won't be muted.
The story takes a sadder turn now. The person in question has enjoyed better than average health for someone of that age. Someone who has been spry, independent, and quite frankly...young. This person now appears to be approaching a different phase in life. Physical frailty is becoming more of an issue. There was a fall. Then there was another fall. Then there was a worse one where muscles were pulled , but thankfully nothing was broken. We all know that's now likely just a matter of time.
For someone who has reached the age this person has, and to have one's health and mind in good stead, we are all supposed, I think, to not be surprised when the downturn starts. We are supposed to be wistful but accept the transition to the late stages of life as the natural order of things.
But you know what? No matter how normal, natural, and expected this is... it's still heartbreaking. Perhaps that too is natural.
What's unnatural is the amplification of the sadness caused by my affliction.
There are some things in life which we can be most certain of, but it those same things that raise the most questions.
ReplyDeleteIt's better to live a life having fulfilled one's wishes rather than living a life full of wishes, don't you think?
All the best to you and your loved ones.
:)