Something has been bugging me lately. You see, I have had a neighbor who has been ill since my son was born - about 7 years ago. Her kids have had nursing care in and out of her house for some time. Then, not too long ago she was permanently moved to a nursing home... Her illness is not of the physical kind - she is losing her memory. This lady - and she was a lady - was the epitome of grace and giving. She was always very thoughful and welcoming. She was always dressed proper, and basically, had her stuff together. Her yard was always impeccable. (In fact when I moved to my house, I snuck around her yard to note all of the types of plants she had because they were so pretty and the deer stayed away.) Financially, she appeared to live a comfortable life...
Well, I am not sure of the whole story - but this past week her daughter moved from her house and folks came in to clean it out. I can only assume what happened. They loaded everything that was left in a big old truck. Ripped down the curtains... And then the workers set to "cleaning" up the yard. They hacked away at shrubs. The completely removed this absolutely gorgeous clematis she had growing around her lamp post. It just made me so angry - her whole life of working to keep everything so nice - packed and whacked in the matter of hours. If the workers didn't have so many muscles and tattoos I might have given them the what for... not that they really had anything to do with the injustice to my neighbor - but darn if someone needs to teach them what is a weed and what is not.
Incidents like this just make me think... and worry a bit... will I raise my children to take care of me with dignity as I age? And I am not saying - literally take care of me - but to help make the right decisions for me as I try to do for them now? Life really is a circle, isn't it? I just wonder how my neighbor would have done things different, or if she would have, if she could see what happened this week? All I know for sure is it certainly is a sad situation...
Tracie, I am so sad to read this. You are so very right. I can remember when you first moved up there and how hard we all worked at your yard after looking at J's yard. I am so very very sad at what happened - and the fact that the house will go to foreclosure - If she only knew. I'm of her generation and I know what you mean about dignity . . . I do know how you all will make the right decisions for Dad and me if we are not able to care for ourselves. And more than that I see that you are raising the little ones to respect and accept. Love you for your care and concern . . . Mom
ReplyDeleteTracie, this one really hit home with me today. We are currently in the process of moving my Grandma into the Welty home. Luckily she doesn't have the home for us to care for, but she has a lot of belongings that we will be sure to take care of for her or send with her. Our goal is to make her new home just as perfect as her old one. It's sad to see this happen.
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