Tuesday, May 05, 2009

Changing of the Guard

My Uncle Bill died last week at the sprightly age of 93 and it hit me really hard. He was one of the remaining few of my mom's generation.
It's scary - watching these matriarchs and patriarchs go down, one by one, leaving gaps in the front lines -- gaps that MY generation have to fill. We've all taken one proverbial step forward, becoming the new guard, becoming the 'adults' in the eyes of our own children -- protectors, the 'wise ones'.

I'm scared.

12 comments:

Susan Helene Gottfried said...

I know.

But then I stop and think that being the front line could be a good thing. We're now being given the chance to lead OUR way, and not do what they want us to.

Let's focus on the good in all that.

Thomma Lyn said...

((((((((hugs))))))))), my friend. That generation has always been special to me, too. You and yours are in my thoughts, and I'm sending extra-warm and fuzzy H&P.

Wylie Kinson said...

Hiya Susan -- yes in a general sense, but no in the familial sense. I liked how they were doing things just fine. Better, in fact - because they seemed to know what was important :)

Thanks for the hugs TL. That generation is truly special -- those who were around for the Great Depression, saw WWII, the idealistic 50 & 60's...
They experienced the best and worst of humanity. Just wished I asked more questions, listened to more stories, made more time.

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry about your uncle. One of my employees went to an aunts funeral today. We were talking about this very "changing of the guard" thing yesterday. It makes you think about your mortality.

Susan Helene Gottfried said...

Just keep your eye on the important stuff FOR them, then, Wylie. They taught you more than you may realize right now.

Thomma Lyn said...

Wylie, you said, "They experienced the best and worst of humanity. Just wished I asked more questions, listened to more stories, made more time."

Sniff. I so relate, my friend. :( (((((((((mega hugs))))))))))))

M. said...

I hear you.

Massively anxiety producing to be a sandwich generation person - responsible for kids, responsible for yourself, and sometimes, responsible for the older generation also. Some days it's tempting to run away from it all and leave the responsibility to someone else.

Condolences.

Julia Phillips Smith said...

I know how you feel, Wylie. My condolences.

Your Uncle Bill's generation definitely did see the best and worst in humanity. I hope ours is more of a Gene Roddenberry group, when all is said and done.

Unknown said...

HUGS! I'm behind in my bloggs and just saw this. I'm sorry to hear about this. And I agree, the front lines is a bit terrifying.

Shelley Munro said...

Sorry to hear about your Uncle, Wylie. I regret not sitting down and talking to my older relations when I was a kid. They have so much knowledge and so many great stories. Like all kids, I wanted to run around and play with my cousins.

Amy Ruttan said...

Aww so sorry I'm behind coming here, so sorry for your loss.

Hugs.

I feel incredibly guilty now.

So double hugs.

Candy Minx said...

I am so sorry for your loss. I know what you mean about losing our elders and a touch with the past.

Sorry I haven't been around a lot...I miss ya big hugs

Candy