I love this, Eliza. (Yes, especially "Grief is Time's bedmate".) As I write this, I am visiting my own parents, who I am lucky to still have here in this world. But Time has me making the bed for Grief. Having very elderly parents who you do not get to see very often is a terrifying experience, since they can age so much between visits. Time seems to be ripping away parts of them in fast-motion and leaving them more and more frail, and all the while, I can hear Grief in the next room, slipping into something more comfortable. It is not an easy moment in life.
Welcome home to New England ☺️. I know much of what you’re describing but the distance you are navigating is humbling. I hope you get quality time with them. (And thanks for the lovely comment.)
I keep comparing myself to our grandma...What did she look like at age 71? How old was she when I did her Christmas decorating for her?...wrapping the gifts...buying the gifts? How did she feel when it was ME making the meatballs?
It must have been hard to let go of making the meatballs.. or maybe super satisfying that she’d passed it down to such competent hands. Meatball-stress is a real thing.
Lovely Eliza! This time of the year is a mix of grief (my mom passed away far too young 10 days before Christmas) and celebration (of love with our extended family of dear friends). The known and familiar is very comforting in these times, a nice ritual. Enjoy the season!
especially love "Grief is Time’s bedmate". So true.
I love this, Eliza. (Yes, especially "Grief is Time's bedmate".) As I write this, I am visiting my own parents, who I am lucky to still have here in this world. But Time has me making the bed for Grief. Having very elderly parents who you do not get to see very often is a terrifying experience, since they can age so much between visits. Time seems to be ripping away parts of them in fast-motion and leaving them more and more frail, and all the while, I can hear Grief in the next room, slipping into something more comfortable. It is not an easy moment in life.
Welcome home to New England ☺️. I know much of what you’re describing but the distance you are navigating is humbling. I hope you get quality time with them. (And thanks for the lovely comment.)
Thank you Substack Sister! It’s nice to be in New England, though I’m happier to see the people than to see the weather.
Merry Christmas. Love the Santa
I keep comparing myself to our grandma...What did she look like at age 71? How old was she when I did her Christmas decorating for her?...wrapping the gifts...buying the gifts? How did she feel when it was ME making the meatballs?
It must have been hard to let go of making the meatballs.. or maybe super satisfying that she’d passed it down to such competent hands. Meatball-stress is a real thing.
Beautiful piece
Thank you
👍👍👍👍👍👍
Lovely Eliza! This time of the year is a mix of grief (my mom passed away far too young 10 days before Christmas) and celebration (of love with our extended family of dear friends). The known and familiar is very comforting in these times, a nice ritual. Enjoy the season!
Thank you, Sonia. You too.