I got a sad email about Aunt Mary Margaret that is apparently dying. The doctor said that the cancer has spread and is probably terminal.
When an aunt on my father’s side falls ill (my grandparent’s generation is reaching that time, so it’s happening quite frequently lately), I typically respond internally by thinking of memories that I’ve had with them or that I might miss them or how much I will.
This one must come from my mother’s side cause I haven’t the faintest idea who it is. That almost always means it’s from that side of the family.
My own aunts and uncles will be reaching that plateau soon, and frankly I’m surprised it hasn’t happened yet.
It will be difficult to deal with, because other than my grandmothers and an older sister of my dad’s who wasn’t really that close to the family, we haven’t lost anyone that close to us. No one.
My dad has two brothers and a sister that all live here in town with us. One of the brothers is married and the sister is married with a daughter and granddaughter. We all get together at Christmas and Thanksgiving every year, always the same, all there together. When we lose the first one it will be very unusual.
My mom has one brother who’s still alive and well - divorced, but with two girls who have families of their own. He had a third daughter who died while I was in college.
It’s not something I like to think about, but will eventually come to call no matter what I do.
Comment by Barry — August 25, 2005 @ 9:20 am
Sorry I missed this the first time. I’m sorry to hear about your aunt, as it will be a tough time for those who are closest to her.
Comment by Becky — August 26, 2005 @ 5:32 pm