Someone said I should not talk about my Pal. Well, here is the situation and some background.
When I was suddenly widowed twenty plus years ago, this wonderful strong woman came right up and supported me in any way she could. We've had a contentious relationship over the years, but like a pair of siblings often do, we hug and make up. We've called each sister for a long time.
I'm well into my 70s, but still able to do pretty much anything and everything. I'm fit and strong enough to support my friend in any way she needs me.
She has one child and several grands but that relationship isn't especially supportive. Her child is good to take her to the city for medical appointments but day to day needs aren't happening. She has minimal support services through community agencies, but those resources are stretched thin. They won't do her laundry or sit and chat with her when she is lonely or anxious.
We have a mutually supportive relationship with our neighbour across the road. After his partner died suddenly, he too became anxious and lonely. This neighbour has no family in Canada. A few weeks back he said to me that Pal is the matriarch down here in our hamlet. When she goes, it will be us.
We are not alone in this. I know others within my own family who don't have any support from family. My own siblings have hardly any supportive relationship with their children. They too are seniors supporting each other.
It saddens me that society has rattled our family relationships to the core. Our youngers moved away and left Ma and Pa in the dust in so many families I know.
As I age, I firmly believe Love thy neighbour as thy self has become so important. We have to look after each other because there is rarely a plan B.
I'm not sure why anyone would say not to talk about your Pal. I must have missed something. 🤔
ReplyDeleteAnyhow, I like your last sentence,
You are right, completely. We should have more services available to our seniors, and to young mothers and teens, as well, while we are at it. I have wonderful neighbours who come and help at the drop of a phone call, neighbours who do things for me for a fee, as this works for both of us, neighbours who support us now as we supported their kids when the kids needed a boost. A neighbourhood should be a network and I feel sorry for people who live without one.
ReplyDeleteIt’s your space to talk about whatever you wish. It’s all anonymous. We don’t know you or your Pal or even where you live.
ReplyDeleteI love hearing about you and Pal. It's a wonderful motivation to all of us to be aware of and look out for others. Especially those who really need our support, whose families aren't particularly involved and who are challenged in getting out and about. You've not revealed anything that would -- as AC mentioned -- even reveal anything specific, just the caring and support and I think that's beautiful.
ReplyDelete