Dear Peggy I hope you keep writing. I think there is a lot of material in your new home and you have a keen sense of observation. I enjoyed this piece on so many levels. Thank you!
I really appreciated this reflection. You both hold the mirror to all of us. I also liked the wrinkly neck photograph. Thank you for sharing your new world with us.
Thank you Susie for sharing this poignant reflection.
And thank you Peggy for your clear, brave, open-armed approach to such a huge change, and finding the joy and adventure it. At 78, I think about my own journey in this direction. Your piece helps me visualize how I might make this same pilgrimage to deeper regard of self... and others.
I admire your grace in facing this “last chapter”. I don’t know if you have children, but as a daughter of parents who faced life courageously yet couldn’t do the same for death, trust me when I say: you are doing a great service to yourself and to those who will go after you. Blessings and joy on your journey!🙏💕
Beautiful and meaningful, Peggy. Thank you for sharing this clear eyed and honest view...I especially appreciate the changes in emotion as you traverse this new world. Changes is hard for us humans! Glad it's blossoming into something more and more rewarding.
Thank you so much for sharing your reaction to being 88 in a Continuing Care Community. As someone who is almost 77, I think about my next transition, assuming I live long enough o have one. You say you were too old to create a new life, yet your story says the opposite, and I am encouraged by your example.
Thank you, Peggy. My husband and I made a similar-in-many-ways move recently and am very glad we did. I appreciate your sharing this on Susie's blog as it may encourage others in this direction.
What a beautifully written essay. The wisdom shines through, as does the image of old age well-lived, in community, in safety, and relative comfort given the inevitable aches and pains.
Thank you for this gentle, poignant, strangely undramatic reflection. The writing invites me into the halls you walk, the elevator which takes you to classes.
Thank you for your words. As someone who is on the cusp of one day perhaps needing to make the transition that you made, holding all the same reserves and concerns, and the fears of loss of familiarity and “home“ comforts, your words paint a less daunting version of the thoughts that go through my head. There are possibilities now to consider along with the inevitable losses.
Peggy, I am in tears from both the beauty and the grief. I particularly appreciate this: " Physical disabilities are talked about in an open and accepting way; everyone has something wrong with them. “What did you say?” is the mantra. We are all in the anteroom of death and friendships literally die. " Thank you for your authentic and beautiful seeing.
You really touched a nerve, Peg. It's a testament to your willingness to be openhearted.
Thanks, Susie.
Dear Peggy I hope you keep writing. I think there is a lot of material in your new home and you have a keen sense of observation. I enjoyed this piece on so many levels. Thank you!
Thank you, Alice.
I really appreciated this reflection. You both hold the mirror to all of us. I also liked the wrinkly neck photograph. Thank you for sharing your new world with us.
Thanks Sonia.
Thank you Susie for sharing this poignant reflection.
And thank you Peggy for your clear, brave, open-armed approach to such a huge change, and finding the joy and adventure it. At 78, I think about my own journey in this direction. Your piece helps me visualize how I might make this same pilgrimage to deeper regard of self... and others.
It's a hard decision but...
I admire your grace in facing this “last chapter”. I don’t know if you have children, but as a daughter of parents who faced life courageously yet couldn’t do the same for death, trust me when I say: you are doing a great service to yourself and to those who will go after you. Blessings and joy on your journey!🙏💕
Yes, I have children and part of the decision was certainly about them.
Thank you Peggy. You put into words with such honesty and clarity about our last stage. Makes me feel and think abut the importance of connection.
Best~Cathy
Ain't it the truth. Most important.
Thank you for sharing. Getting old sucks….but it beats the alternative.
Change is hard…at least for me. I’m glad you are seeming to embrace the changes and find the pleasures where they emerge.
We don't know yet if it beats the alternative, but, in ignorance, I'll agree for now. Glad there still are some pleasures.
Beautiful and meaningful, Peggy. Thank you for sharing this clear eyed and honest view...I especially appreciate the changes in emotion as you traverse this new world. Changes is hard for us humans! Glad it's blossoming into something more and more rewarding.
I'm glad too since the beginning was definitely unkknown.
Thank you so much for sharing your reaction to being 88 in a Continuing Care Community. As someone who is almost 77, I think about my next transition, assuming I live long enough o have one. You say you were too old to create a new life, yet your story says the opposite, and I am encouraged by your example.
Being here made it much easier.
Thank you, Peggy. My husband and I made a similar-in-many-ways move recently and am very glad we did. I appreciate your sharing this on Susie's blog as it may encourage others in this direction.
Thank you Marjorie. Glad yours went well too.
What a beautifully written essay. The wisdom shines through, as does the image of old age well-lived, in community, in safety, and relative comfort given the inevitable aches and pains.
I feel lucky since so many others can't have this kind of care.
Reflects the reality of our time. Beautifully and skillfully written.
Thank you Frank. Lovely compliment from a fine writer.
Thank you for this gentle, poignant, strangely undramatic reflection. The writing invites me into the halls you walk, the elevator which takes you to classes.
Thank you Jinks. Happy to have you join me.
Dear Peggy. As usual, I am moved by your open heart and wisdom. I’m honored to be your friend!💜
As I am too.
Thank you for your words. As someone who is on the cusp of one day perhaps needing to make the transition that you made, holding all the same reserves and concerns, and the fears of loss of familiarity and “home“ comforts, your words paint a less daunting version of the thoughts that go through my head. There are possibilities now to consider along with the inevitable losses.
So glad it helps. It's hard to decide to go down this road.
Peggy, I am in tears from both the beauty and the grief. I particularly appreciate this: " Physical disabilities are talked about in an open and accepting way; everyone has something wrong with them. “What did you say?” is the mantra. We are all in the anteroom of death and friendships literally die. " Thank you for your authentic and beautiful seeing.
Thank you, Pam.