Watching the Wheels Go Round and Round...

A visit to the nursing home to see a 94-year-old friend left me with a new perspective. Wow. What a place. She is in a room that represents the last phase of living in a retirement home. It is the "your foot is on a banana peel" and you are waiting for your ticket out area of the place. Sooo incredibly sad. Everyone uses a wheelchair or a walker. Everyone has huge health issues, and most of them are facing it all alone. My friend is still as sharp as a tack, and she is delightfully liberal. I enjoyed our visit, but it gave me a lot to think about in terms of acquiring more "stuff." These folks are down to 1 room and a few possessions. Just don't need 'em or want 'em anymore. They are looking for a different kind of peace.

Son #1 is feeling the sting of growing up in a world that discriminates. He gets it because he is not an academic type, and never will be. He has been made fun of, used, taken advantage of, and left alone, but still he has the sweetest soul imaginable. He wants to be part of the social crowd, and no one will have him. He wants to be part of the electronic age, but finds himself unable to communicate effectively. He cries out for friendship and most turn away. Their loss...

Son #2 is just growing. On top of that, he has shown his integrity this week in the face of a tough situation where he works. If he comes away with nothing else, his dignity and integrity will be in tact. I was so proud when he showed me that he knew what was right and was prepared to do it, without my intervention or advice.

Big life issues. A lot to think about. It is hard, painful, gut wrenching stuff. We all take our turn.