AUTHOR: Linda Grady on 10/10/2024 FIRST: Ben Rodriguez on 10/10/2024 | RECENT: DrLefty on 10/12/2024
Comments
Thanks for these words of encouragement, Marjorie. Since we humans tend to bond with those who share our beliefs, it’s sometimes hard to maintain relationships with those who think differently. But finding what we have in common, whether it be growing up in the same city, a love of travel, or sharing interest in each other’s families, we can always find things to draw us together. This story about an odd couple is a great example.
Well said, David. It’s a gift to be with a loved one when they pass, even if it’s quite sudden as it was for me with both my husband and my father. It’s also true that some people, when they know they are dying, prefer to wait until family members have left the room. My mom, who died one year ago this week, waited until my daughter said her final goodbye, then passed a few minutes later as my sister and partner were saying goodbye to my daughter. I’m sure I’ve previously recommended the book “Final Gifts,” a collection of anecdotes about the messages dying people give to loved ones, written by two hospice nurses.
Thanks, Jonathan, for a profound reflection. I especially agree with the importance of accepting that there are things we can’t control and accepting our own mortality. I would add that it’s important to accept when we need help from others, especially as we age or become ill, or have a task beyond our skills. Those of us who are proud of being able to handle everything independently can find this especially difficult, but it’s a wonderful thing to be able to say “Thank you so much. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
Thanks so much for these three lessons, David, and especially for this one about faith. I couldn’t agree more with your mother-in-law. Though I likely have some years ahead of me due to a family history of good health and longevity, I often think of so many loved ones who have gone ahead. I imagine the bliss of being reunited. But with faith, there is always at least a kernel of doubt: What if there’s nothing but oblivion? In that case, we won’t even know. So we just live the best life we can, in gratitude for what we have, in charity toward others, and in acceptance when we need help from others, whether it comes sooner or later. You were blessed to have this time with your mother in law, as was my sister in the years she cared for our mother. Like your mother in law, our mom was grateful, generous and kind to the very end. Hospice care at home was very helpful and supportive, especially during her final week.
Comments
Thanks for these words of encouragement, Marjorie. Since we humans tend to bond with those who share our beliefs, it’s sometimes hard to maintain relationships with those who think differently. But finding what we have in common, whether it be growing up in the same city, a love of travel, or sharing interest in each other’s families, we can always find things to draw us together. This story about an odd couple is a great example.
Post: SCOTUS AND THE ODD COUPLE
Link to comment from April 16, 2025
Well said, David. It’s a gift to be with a loved one when they pass, even if it’s quite sudden as it was for me with both my husband and my father. It’s also true that some people, when they know they are dying, prefer to wait until family members have left the room. My mom, who died one year ago this week, waited until my daughter said her final goodbye, then passed a few minutes later as my sister and partner were saying goodbye to my daughter. I’m sure I’ve previously recommended the book “Final Gifts,” a collection of anecdotes about the messages dying people give to loved ones, written by two hospice nurses.
Post: Lesson Four From Taking Care of a 102 yo in Her Last Year of Life- The Final Hours of Life Can be Beautiful
Link to comment from April 13, 2025
😆😂 I agree - they give me my best medicine for free!
Post: A Diamond Wedding Anniversary
Link to comment from April 11, 2025
Thanks, Jonathan, for a profound reflection. I especially agree with the importance of accepting that there are things we can’t control and accepting our own mortality. I would add that it’s important to accept when we need help from others, especially as we age or become ill, or have a task beyond our skills. Those of us who are proud of being able to handle everything independently can find this especially difficult, but it’s a wonderful thing to be able to say “Thank you so much. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
Post: Don’t Push It
Link to comment from April 11, 2025
And the folks whose job it is to round up the carts notice and appreciate what you’re doing.
Post: RDQ There is so much to rant about these days. Let’s go for the people who don’t believe facts-perhaps about Social Security
Link to comment from April 10, 2025
Not an odd habit - a charitable one. I believe that setting a good example is the best tool for passing on our values.
Post: RDQ There is so much to rant about these days. Let’s go for the people who don’t believe facts-perhaps about Social Security
Link to comment from April 10, 2025
Thanks for your succinct explanation, Quan, and the book recommendation.
Post: What exactly has to happen for a stocks value to go up or down?
Link to comment from April 10, 2025
You are definitely not in the idiots’ corner, Sanjib, but there’s a reason that this place of sharing is called “Humble Dollar.” Thanks.
Post: What exactly has to happen for a stocks value to go up or down?
Link to comment from April 10, 2025
I’m so happy for you and Rich. What a blessing you are to each other and to all who know you, together and separately. Sending my Best Wishes.
Post: A Diamond Wedding Anniversary
Link to comment from April 10, 2025
Thanks so much for these three lessons, David, and especially for this one about faith. I couldn’t agree more with your mother-in-law. Though I likely have some years ahead of me due to a family history of good health and longevity, I often think of so many loved ones who have gone ahead. I imagine the bliss of being reunited. But with faith, there is always at least a kernel of doubt: What if there’s nothing but oblivion? In that case, we won’t even know. So we just live the best life we can, in gratitude for what we have, in charity toward others, and in acceptance when we need help from others, whether it comes sooner or later. You were blessed to have this time with your mother in law, as was my sister in the years she cared for our mother. Like your mother in law, our mom was grateful, generous and kind to the very end. Hospice care at home was very helpful and supportive, especially during her final week.
Post: Lesson Three From Taking Care of a 102 yo in Her Last Year of Life- The Role of Faith in Dying
Link to comment from April 7, 2025