What has been my story of the past several months? What has brought me joy? Where have I faced challenges?
“Birth is a beginning
And death a destination ….”
My life for the past 6 months has been bookended by those two lines. The joy began with the birth of my first grandchild, Henry Jay, on March 14th, just as our world was shutting down in response to the coronavirus pandemic. I always planned to take care of him for one day weekly. As a result of the shut down and closure of daycare centers, we decided that I would have him for 2 days weekly. He is the love of my life and my joy.
Also 6 months ago, my 84 year old aunt Rachel was at the rehab unit at North Hill, struggling with Alzheimer’s Disease and recovering from an infection. When covid was striking nursing facilities with a vengeance, and visitors, including her husband, were no longer allowed, the family decided to immediately move her back to her apartment at North Hill. This began a quick descent into severe symptoms, and she passed away 2 days ago, on Wednesday, September 16.
Rachel was my mother’s little sister, and like a big sister to me, as she was only 12 years older than me. She did not have children, and in recent years I have served that function for Rachel and J., both practically and emotionally. Her loss is a deep pain and sadness for me.
But that is the life cycle we have been given. Her memory will always be a blessing, as will my little grandson, as he continues his lifetime journey.
