Nov
8
Is this how it’s going to be?
In the past week, I’ve learned that a good friend’s father is dying of cancer, my sister’s dog died (and to my sister, her dogs are like children), and another good friend has separated from her husband, after they endured the death of a preterm baby and subsequent miscarriages. I feel terrible for all of them. I’m also afraid that it will be my turn next. I’ve received these glancing blows, where things are happening to friends and family, but so far, no direct hits. Is this what life is like after a certain age - one grief-producing episode after another? Our parents age and get sick, our marriages falter. Next up: our children disappoint. Maybe I’ve been reading too much Franzen.
