Where I’m At

Filed Under being creative, events, inspiration, love, people, sadness

Right now I’m in New York; after talking with my mom yesterday morning it became apparent that I needed to come out and be with her. Her dad is dying, and now his wife of 40 years is in the hospital, possibly in the advanced stages of cancer.

So I flew out yesterday afternoon and arrived early this morning. Visited my step grandmother and my granddad at their respective hospitals, talked with doctors about DNRs, DNIs, life support, feeding tubes, hospice care, etc.

When we returned to my grandfather’s house this evening, my mom took me to the basement, to show me where the washer is. (I’d spilled gasoline on myself while pumping gas in Manhasset.) I found a bunch of my granddad’s manuscripts - novels and short stories he’d written 40 and 50 years ago.

I’d planned to do some reading in preparation for the Real Wealth of Portland event I’m flying back to moderate this Friday night, but instead I read a bunch of his short stories. These were his thoughts - the things he felt were important. These were, as the poet William Stafford put it, “the evidence.”

It’s with no small measure of pride that I say my grandfather was a writer. He was persistent, observant, informed, and writing, writing, writing. I’m inspired.

I feel sleepy now, so I’ll just end by saying that I’m glad I came. My mom has no siblings and has been bearing a lot on her own. Emotionally and practically, it’s just a lot to deal with, and even though I don’t feel particularly helpful, she says me just being here takes a big weight off her shoulders.

I am definitely going to have to come back soon. Maybe as soon as Saturday.

Comments

5 Responses to “Where I’m At”

Chalicechick on October 25th, 2007 6:59 am

You’re in my thoughts.
Shelby Meyerhoff on October 25th, 2007 8:45 am

Hafidha, I’m so sorry to hear about your mother’s father and his wife. It’s good that you made the trip. I’ll be thinking of you and your family.
hafidha sofia on October 25th, 2007 11:50 pm

Thanks, CC and Shelby. Things will be okay; it is just hard for my mom and new territory for me. It’s life!
Steve Caldwell on October 26th, 2007 10:22 am

I’m also sorry to hear about this recent news. You are in my thoughts.
chutney on November 1st, 2007 5:56 am

So sorry to hear this. Wishing you and yours well.