8 Comments
User's avatar
Mari, the Happy Wanderer's avatar

Dear Nancy, this piece was such a comfort to me. My dad died a couple of weeks ago, at the age of 91, after a short illness. Because he was so healthy (golfing, doing yard work, meeting up with friends) until the very end, I’m having a tough time accepting that he’s gone. Honest conversations about aging and death, like in your beautiful essay, help me to feel my emotions. I’m so sorry about your mom, and I hope you can take comfort in what a good daughter and friend you have been to her.

Expand full comment
imoffpudding's avatar

This is so beautiful, Nancy.

Expand full comment
Puppy Love's avatar

100% agree. Beautiful piece.

Expand full comment
Jane's avatar

This was beautiful, Nancy. I assume the photo at the top is one of your mother but initially thought it was you. You look a lot like her!

Your description of cachexia caught my breath. My dad had it at the end as a complication of cancer treatment. My sister, mom, and I kept bringing him frosties from Wendy's (his longtime favorite), but he kept wasting away. I found it very hard to witness.

I hope this period is as peaceful for you and your mom as it can be.

Expand full comment
Sara's avatar

Beautifully written on a heart-wrenching topic.

Expand full comment
Jessemy's avatar

You've got your mother's eyes. So lovely.

Expand full comment
Will's avatar

Just lost my mother at 102 - on Mother’s Day - what a wonderful tribute to your mother you wrote. Thank you.

Expand full comment
Mary Armstrong's avatar

Wow. I feel every single bit of this.

Expand full comment