Thank you so much, Susan. Don't worry, the audio is just me reading the story itself for anyone who wanted to listen so not an actual recording of what I said to Mum. It's funny but when I wrote this, it never occurred to me (and I really don't know why) that it would resonate with so many. It was just something I needed to/had to write. Thanks for your kind words.
This pulled at my heartstrings on so many levels. Especially your farewell two minute message, I imagined your mum feeling your hand in hers as she listened to your voice and words, Ruth you’ve beautifully captured the emotional roller coaster many of us experience, thank you for writing this. It’s a constant push and pull. Somehow it’s become my “normal” now for over 20 years – navigating family, life and death across three countries. It never gets any easier. Beautiful article you’ve written, resonated deeply. And rest in peace to all our gorgeous parents and in-laws no longer with us, we carry their souls and memories with us every single day no matter where we live in the world.
Thanks Jacqui. The 'normal' never gets easier, does it? We've gained so much by being here but at what cost for our loved ones back home, our kids and ourselves? I'm a mass (mess?) of confusion and contradictions.
Oh Ruth. Thank you. I am sobbing at this beautifully told story of your heart. Both you and @beyond with Jane Ratcliffe (The Lineage of Failed Daughters) got me this week with the duality of being mothers and daughters. And how we feel we have and will fail at both. And yet...we do what we can, from where we are, with the dynamics we create and those created for us. Thank you. x
Another who stumbled across this. Your piece moved me to tears for so many reasons to do with my own life and the beauty of your storytelling. Thank you
Ruth, stumbled across this. So beautifully written ❤️ Already in tears so can’t bring myself to listen to the message yet…
Thank you so much, Susan. Don't worry, the audio is just me reading the story itself for anyone who wanted to listen so not an actual recording of what I said to Mum. It's funny but when I wrote this, it never occurred to me (and I really don't know why) that it would resonate with so many. It was just something I needed to/had to write. Thanks for your kind words.
It’s not very fair, this getting old business. For anyone. Beautifully written.
This pulled at my heartstrings on so many levels. Especially your farewell two minute message, I imagined your mum feeling your hand in hers as she listened to your voice and words, Ruth you’ve beautifully captured the emotional roller coaster many of us experience, thank you for writing this. It’s a constant push and pull. Somehow it’s become my “normal” now for over 20 years – navigating family, life and death across three countries. It never gets any easier. Beautiful article you’ve written, resonated deeply. And rest in peace to all our gorgeous parents and in-laws no longer with us, we carry their souls and memories with us every single day no matter where we live in the world.
Thanks Jacqui. The 'normal' never gets easier, does it? We've gained so much by being here but at what cost for our loved ones back home, our kids and ourselves? I'm a mass (mess?) of confusion and contradictions.
This is full of love and so beautifully written and sadly, something I, and many others can relate to- all too well. Thank you. X.
This was beautiful. So sad but full of love. Your brave little mother knew you had to live your life and wouldn’t restrict you.
Thank you for a very moving piece; it brought me to tears.
I knew exactly what you were talking about.
Oh Ruth. Thank you. I am sobbing at this beautifully told story of your heart. Both you and @beyond with Jane Ratcliffe (The Lineage of Failed Daughters) got me this week with the duality of being mothers and daughters. And how we feel we have and will fail at both. And yet...we do what we can, from where we are, with the dynamics we create and those created for us. Thank you. x
Another who stumbled across this. Your piece moved me to tears for so many reasons to do with my own life and the beauty of your storytelling. Thank you