Watching A Generation Go By

Recently, my 91-year old uncle had another mild heart attack. My favorite uncle is finally moving toward his transition and, although he is now back home again, he’s alone. Yes, he still lives alone and does not want anyone to be there with him. What a generation he comes from – strong and stubborn. But is that generational or is it just who he is?

I remember how jovial he was – and even is today. He loves to tell jokes and make people laugh. He has kept himself young from all this laughter but, after this last setback, he really looks tired. He looks older, yet still not 91. We joke about whether or not he will see his next birthday. I really don’t believe he wants to.

He’s disappointed in those around him. Disappointed that he hasn’t been able to visit his wife, who is in a convalescent home with Alzheimer’s – until now, he’s visited her every other day. Disappointed that he cannot climb his avocado tree since falling this past year. Disappointed that there are no friends still living. Just disappointed in life.

91 years with no one to look after you and care for you. This is how he feels. Alone, and yet he chooses to be alone even in this state of being.

I am happy that he knows what he knows. I am happy that he has had a full life. Whether it be a good life or not is all perspective, but isn’t it wonderful that we will always remember him for his mischievous ways and his jokes that would make us laugh and keep us young with him.

[tags]91-year-old, disappointed in life, depression, Alzheimer, heart attack[/tags]