If not now, when?

February 19, 2007 at 1:03 PM

My grandmother, age 89, passed away on Saturday night. I've had a day to get used to it now, and her health was failing, so it wasn't unexpected. Still. She was my last living grandparent. One of the last things she did was to send sweet Valentine's cards to my kids, her great-grandchildren.

I followed the links from Laurie's most recent blog about her new instrument. I wasn't on v.com back then. She had a poigniant quote when she was thinking of buying the violin, something like "I'm just going to die anyway, whether I get the violin or not. Why not get it now, while I'm still playing, while it still makes a difference?"

Now that my kids aren't babies anymore I'm actually feeling like I have more time and energy than I did in my 20's and 30's rather than less. I'm exercising. I made a lateral career move and started a new job a year and a half ago. I bought a bottle of wine a few months ago, and was asked for ID . . . I'm not feeling old yet, physically.

But, when I turned 41 last year, I felt a similar sense of time passing and the urge to seize the day. It was one reason I took out my violin and started playing again, and rented a viola. The sense that nothing is forever.

To hold close the people and the things I love.

From Richard Hellinger
Posted on February 19, 2007 at 4:39 PM

I am so sorry for your loss! I know it is hard, but I am sure you have lots of great memories to remember her by!

From Pauline Lerner
Posted on February 19, 2007 at 10:16 PM

My sympathy on the loss of your grandmother.

To love the more that which thou must leave ere long. (Shakespeare)

From Mendy Smith
Posted on February 20, 2007 at 5:35 AM

Karen -I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you!

This entry has been archived and is no longer accepting comments.