I have lost three uncles and an aunt just this year, it makes one ponder their own mortality. You look around at the survivors and remember other times. You remember the deceased attending their own parents funerals and realize you are the next generation. When the patriarchs and matriarchs of the family pass away you wonder who now will hold that family together. Who will be the one to share the stories of long ago with clarity. Which one has the recipes of the favourite meals and the secrets to life’s success. Siblings now cling together to lean and learn from. I have told my own kids the importance of that for when me and their dad are gone. They are lucky that way. The tally rises and it makes you uncomfortable that the older generation in your family is now disappearing.
Losing loved ones changes your outlook on life. Maybe not right away, but the impact makes you look at how you are living. How to increase your time or make use of the time you have left. How to pull the family together so none of the flock are alone. Covid crimped the visiting and be sure you get that back. Amp up all the family ties. Rebuild your family community and hold everyone near, days are numbered. If you were to put beans in a jar of all the days you think you have left, and take out a bean a day, the visual would have you scrambling to do everything you’ve always wanted to do.
Time passes and the families arrange themselves into their new niches. Leaders within edge up and hold the reigns for the others. The new older generation emerges, and a new generation is created. Families are fragile, they are breakable. Relationships should be held dear. Mending pieces of glass is hard, sometimes cracks remain. Do your best, cradle what you have. Keep it safe like the heirlooms they are. Live all your moments!
Momma Wouldn't Say 