January 8,
2012
Writer’s
block.
Everyone
left for the cinema to watch a children’s movie so I stayed behind with Dono. She
had a bad attack of facial pain and I went to hold her slim cold hand and
murmur sympathetically while she sobbed in fear of the up and coming lengthy
and unknown journey. She, like many who face a huge shift in their world as
they age and transition to another new home, is afraid of the near future. Dono
struggles with gripping and shameful (her words) pain and is exceedingly
concerned about frightening others around her. Tortured with the thought of being
trapped on a plane with exhausting bone chilling physical pain is more than
Dono can bear. Not able to speak English or have a familiar voice who loves her
and understands her garbled words on the phone will be devastating. I can only
whisper positive reinforcing words and squeeze her hand, nodding in sympathy
and assurance that I understand what she is declaring. It has to be
extraordinary to be accepting the inevitable with grace and confidence or
putting on a good show until the demon behind the curtain presents itself once
again and forces her to speak her truth. The new grandchild will be able to get
to know and love his grandmother, she is fortunate that she has several family
members who are willing to take on her complicated care. Unfortunately the new
home is very far away and will take great courage for her to arrive in peace
and comfort.
A complex
situation and one that many face with aging family members.
Give
someone with too many wrinkles to count a big hug today!
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