Being Mortal
Reflections on the march of years...
VIDEO: “THE FIRST SPRING”
Life has major challenges, at any age, but later life presents new and, sometimes, heartbreaking ones. This short video, which premiered at a film festival in L.A. in January, is a tender and touching story of devotion. A husband struggles to reach his wife, who has retreated into dementia. He perseveres, and finally finds a way to connect. Besides being a terrific film, The First Spring happens to star Steve, my very talented husband. Such a worthwhile way to spend 13 minutes…hope you enjoy…
MUSIC: “HELLO IN THERE” BY JOHN PRINE
I love John Prine. His country-folk songs span the human experience, from funny takes on current events, to serious songs about life and love. This is one of my favorites, “Hello in There.” In it, Prine asks us to see, really SEE, older folks, and maybe take a minute to reach out…
“You know that old trees just grow stronger
And old rivers grow wilder every day
Old people just grow lonesome
Waiting for someone to say, "Hello in there, hello.”
ESSAY: “SHADES OF GRAY” (ABOUT MY AUNT ROSE)
She was one of the most complicated and difficult people I ever met, and definitely my “most unforgettable character.” She was my great-aunt, but did I love her? Read on…
And now a word from a younger generation…who have challenges of their own!
COMEDY: ALEX EDELMAN
Alex is an amazing comic talent, whose solo show, “Just for Us” enjoyed an acclaimed Off-Broadway run. Alex’s Orthodox Jewish upbringing informs his humor, as does his status as a member of the millennial generation. Here’s Edelman’s riff on something he believes millennials will never be able to afford—a house!
OCEAN ODDITY: IMMORTAL JELLYFISH
I first heard about this weird aquatic guy my usual way—by watching “Octonauts” with Aiden and Peter. If you haven’t had the pleasure, “Octonauts” is a cartoon featuring a crew of explorers who encounter mysterious denizens of the deep (all actual creatures btw). Here’s a video of a strange animal who literally lives FOREVER…(sounds exhausting to me:-)
BOOK: BEING MORTAL by Atul Gawande
AN IMPORTANT READ ABOUT LIFE, DEATH AND THE CHOICES WE FACE
Unlike our slippery friend from under the sea, humans have an expiration date (at least for this leg of our cosmic journey). Dr. Atul Gawande has written a beautiful book, reflecting on the end-of-life experiences of people including his patients and his own father. What choices do we make about our final days? What choices do we even HAVE? I’ve highlighted many pages of Being Mortal, including this thoughtful quote:
“Courage is the strength to recognize that we have room to shape our stories, (even though) as time goes on, within narrower confines.”
I think this should be required reading for all medical professionals (and everyone else too…)
BLOG PREVIEW: COST OF LIVING
Luckily Steve and I haven’t had to do this since 1989, but our grown kids have done their fair share of dwelling moves. I feel for them, because it’s a jungle out there. Just for fun, I browse the listings, and daydream about other places to hang my hat…rose-covered cottage on Nantucket? Beachfront in Lewes? How about a fifth floor Brooklyn walk up?
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
As you navigate the uncertain week ahead, my “mortal” friends, may you find peace—and joy—in living your one-of-a-kind stories!