Yesterday I started reading a non-fiction book, This is Getting Old, by Susan Moon. I was gobsmacked when I saw her dedication in the front of the book.
In memory of my mother, Alice, and for my granddaughter Paloma.
I never knew Alice
when she was a child.
And I will never know Paloma
when she’s an old woman.
But they both have inspired me with their enthusiasm for life.
As a woman who had a wonderful mother and now has extraordinary grandchildren — you, too? — I really had to sit a moment and absorb this.
The author is right. I only knew my mother for part of her life … and I’m only knowing my granddaughters for part of their lives. The same thoughts apply for my terrific dad and my grandsons.
I don’t find such thoughts depressing. Do you? I just think it’s extraordinary that, after you hold the hands of the loved ones that the passage of time takes away … if you’re lucky, the passage of time puts new little hands in yours. Ah, life!
We may be miles away from the little darlings but we will never forget how blessed we are to have this gift!
Kiss the joy as it flies.