I laid awake last night thinking about the days a few generations ago when family members were always geographically close to one another, even when they might have not been close in other ways. I desperately want to be in Michigan with my sister as her husband lies in a hospital bed with endocarditis and she waits alone to find out when surgery will be, how the current treatment is or is not working, etc.
My great-aunt is 101 and her only caretakers outside of her own niece and her husband are the staff at the assisted living home where she resides. My aunt’s son is visiting now for a few days, the first time in 16 months. Far later than I should have, I realized this situation existed and Ed and I spent 2 weeks there in July providing respite to these two angels ….and I am returning for 2 weeks again next month. There are neighbors and friends who assist, wonderful people I’ve met who see "family" as I do –