My dear mom used to say, "Modern medicine keeps us alive, and then no one knows what to do with us." Always laughter followed, yet also a deep truth resides underneath. I'm not sure how I got here as quickly as I did? What keeps me going are my motherless daughters I seem to be collecting, who simply ask for a heart with ears. I can be that. We all can. Looking forward to reading more of your articles. Your grand nuggets are lovely. Grateful you are writing about our vintage lives as you are, Debbie. It helps more than you might realize. My gratitude. 💜
Joanie - "modern medicine keeps us alive, and then no-one knows what to do with us." Sadly so true. Glad it can be accompanied by laughter, I can imagine myself saying this, but I'd also want to have the discussion about why on earth this has happened, and what can be done about it. I might have to write about it myself! Thanks for the inspiration. And thanks to Debbie too, for this great roundup :)
Yes, do write about it, Debbie. We need to be having these conversations, and to advocate for ourselves. Coming alongside one another, and truly listening. I was blessed to have this opportunity with both my parents, and with countless others as a hospital chaplain. Each individual knew what was best for them when all was said and done. Very rarely did they need anyone else making their life decisions for them. 💜
Debbie. What a great round up. So glad you’ve highlighted articles I was unaware of. I love your honest, open kimono approach to how you’re living in YOUR 4th Qtr.
I almost couldn't read past the first bit, where you say your grandchildren are the best bit.
I don't have children, therefore no grandchildren either. Clearly I still have some sadness about this (even though I have always felt ambivalent about having children). But at this end of life, I see that when there are grandchildren around, it can be a very beautiful thing.
Anyway - I did read on, and it was great to see the round up. I need to go back now and read a few of the links! You are doing a great job here Debbie, thank you so much. Love your honesty about how you're not always as bold as readers might think. I identify!
Jane, I always hesitate to mention grandchildren, knowing that some of my lovely friends here in Substack don’t have them. They’re not *everything,* of course; I’m much more than a granny! And I purposefully included Jody Day’s thoughtful Q&A because I think it’s so important.
The best part of old age is not having died yet. The worst is what might lie ahead, that great unknown, which is likely to have things I'd prefer not to have.
Rose, I cope with that unknown future with a strong belief that it will be better than the very best of what I have experienced in this lifetime; and if there's nothing, then I won't know about it, so it will be okay. It helps!
Thanks Jane. I think if there's nothing, that's OK. It's what may be coming before that that's the worry! Still, what can one do, but prepare as best you can!
thank you Susan… these are articles I’ve written! but it’s given me the idea of doing a more expansive round-up of [b]old age writing… including MSM articles, recent books, and other Substacks.
![[B]OLD AGE with Debbie Weil](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!_2qg!,w_40,h_40,c_fill,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6493b50c-3be4-412b-8440-a01e44af10a5_1000x1000.png)
![[B]OLD AGE with Debbie Weil](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!_2qg!,w_120,h_120,c_fill,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6493b50c-3be4-412b-8440-a01e44af10a5_1000x1000.png)
![[B]OLD AGE with Debbie Weil](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!jcE-!,e_trim:10:white/e_trim:10:transparent/h_72,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F9236c85d-b9b2-481a-8435-995b08f9c397_2100x400.png)
My dear mom used to say, "Modern medicine keeps us alive, and then no one knows what to do with us." Always laughter followed, yet also a deep truth resides underneath. I'm not sure how I got here as quickly as I did? What keeps me going are my motherless daughters I seem to be collecting, who simply ask for a heart with ears. I can be that. We all can. Looking forward to reading more of your articles. Your grand nuggets are lovely. Grateful you are writing about our vintage lives as you are, Debbie. It helps more than you might realize. My gratitude. 💜
Joanie, my gratitude to you… and what a wonderful phrase: “motherless daughters.” It has multiple interpretations.
Joanie - "modern medicine keeps us alive, and then no-one knows what to do with us." Sadly so true. Glad it can be accompanied by laughter, I can imagine myself saying this, but I'd also want to have the discussion about why on earth this has happened, and what can be done about it. I might have to write about it myself! Thanks for the inspiration. And thanks to Debbie too, for this great roundup :)
Yes, do write about it, Debbie. We need to be having these conversations, and to advocate for ourselves. Coming alongside one another, and truly listening. I was blessed to have this opportunity with both my parents, and with countless others as a hospital chaplain. Each individual knew what was best for them when all was said and done. Very rarely did they need anyone else making their life decisions for them. 💜
Debbie. What a great round up. So glad you’ve highlighted articles I was unaware of. I love your honest, open kimono approach to how you’re living in YOUR 4th Qtr.
Jane, I love the “opening the kimono” metaphor - thank you!
I almost couldn't read past the first bit, where you say your grandchildren are the best bit.
I don't have children, therefore no grandchildren either. Clearly I still have some sadness about this (even though I have always felt ambivalent about having children). But at this end of life, I see that when there are grandchildren around, it can be a very beautiful thing.
Anyway - I did read on, and it was great to see the round up. I need to go back now and read a few of the links! You are doing a great job here Debbie, thank you so much. Love your honesty about how you're not always as bold as readers might think. I identify!
Jane, I always hesitate to mention grandchildren, knowing that some of my lovely friends here in Substack don’t have them. They’re not *everything,* of course; I’m much more than a granny! And I purposefully included Jody Day’s thoughtful Q&A because I think it’s so important.
I know. I saw that and really appreciated it
The best part of old age is not having died yet. The worst is what might lie ahead, that great unknown, which is likely to have things I'd prefer not to have.
Rose, I cope with that unknown future with a strong belief that it will be better than the very best of what I have experienced in this lifetime; and if there's nothing, then I won't know about it, so it will be okay. It helps!
Thanks Jane. I think if there's nothing, that's OK. It's what may be coming before that that's the worry! Still, what can one do, but prepare as best you can!
Loved the round up Debbie & the truths of aging for you.
At 75, its great to have these conversations & resources ♥️
thank you Susan… these are articles I’ve written! but it’s given me the idea of doing a more expansive round-up of [b]old age writing… including MSM articles, recent books, and other Substacks.