I can’t get up on my own
anymore, darling.
I can’t support myself,
or you.
I am tired, and scared, and I
see the end coming
closer each day.
I know I am experiencing many things
for the last time, but
I dwell too much on that
fact to enjoy them.
The kids make sacrifices for
us, and they’re willing to do
even more.
But in our stubborn refusal,
we are wearing them thin.
We made our own way, and
we have been strong,
but I am weak;
I cannot pretend to be
anything else anymore.
I am tired, my love.
You can’t keep laughing off
my frailty as little lapses in concentration.
We need help, and we need
to get it while we can still benefit.
I love you, and I don’t
want to disappoint you, but
I’m nearing the edge and we
need to have some
tough conversations.
We can’t continue in denial.
Death will come; that’s inevitable.
When I meet my creator, I want to do so
with dignity;
not as a dusty husk.
I am so proud of
you, of
us, of
our children and
grandchildren and
great-grandchildren.
We have come so far, and there is a
little further to go, but
some difficult decisions remain
before we separate
and reunite.
by Erik Shinker
This is such a beautiful and poignant piece of writing, Erik – I was so moved reading it.
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Thank you so much, Julie!
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I was as well.
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This is so powerful. It actually moved me to tears. Well done 🖤
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Aw, thank you so much!
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So touching. I feel so move 😭 Age is human’s natural enemy but part of life that we must embrace with pride.
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Thank you so much; I did my best to capture what I can only imagine a couple that I love is currently going through.
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And it feels like got it perfectly. ❤
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These decisions are so, so hard.
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Truly. Thank you, as always, for reading, Liz.
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As always, my pleasure!
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My heart. ❤️
You have captured ether essence of love and partnership with great wisdom for someone your age. Your talent abounds.
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Thank you, Bonnie. That means so much coming from you!
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