A Day in the Life of a Family

Life in a family is very much life the seasons of a year or the circular wedding ring worn on the left ring finger. Tonight as I lay by this winter's evening fire, I reflect on this day in the life of my family. I woke this morning and turned to my husband and said "Let's get up, shower, dress, and head to Grafton to see Uncle Jim."  Uncle Jim is my Mom's last remaining brother. He has no children, is wife is deceased and he spends his days now in a personal care home sleeping and staring at the ceiling. When I walked in his room this morning, he got tears in his eyes. He is tired and worn out. Everything needs to be done for him. I sat with him for a couple of hours, holding his glass for him while he sipped juice from a straw. He is weak, frail, and slipping away.All I can do is be there for him. Hold his hand, help him with his drink, and let him know he still has family. He is on oxygen and can only say a few words at a time. I wonder why life has to end like this? Justin checks in and let's me know that he has checked on his Grandparents (my Mom and Dad), brought them lunch, and that they need milk. Rob and I leave Uncle Jim. I tell him I will be back. We stop to pick up milk and I pick out candy for my parents. My parents like candy and I buy it for them. They are 82, if they want candy they can have it. It is very difficult to watch your parents age. I become torn at times, although you want your parents to live forever, I also do not want to see them spending their day in bed sleeping and staring at the ceiling. I know I don't want that for myself. The trip home is quiet. A nap and then off to meet Liane and the kids for dinner. Justin and Cassie come along. The evening is full of youthful laughter of children, chatter of young adults, discussions of up coming trips. On the ride back, Rob and I in the front seat and Justin and Cassie in the back, my mind floats to times Rob and I were in the backseat of our parents car. Life is circling around me as the adults become childlike, and the children become adult life and Rob and I are somewhere in the middle. I can see my past in Justin and Cassie but also my future in my parents and uncle.The seasons of life shared by a family. The photos by a fireplace now faded. The faces somewhat familiar but seem so old. The promise of new ones to come. A day in the life of a family.