Cancer tends to open the door of mortality a crack; where it was understandably closed before diagnosis. Multiple Myeloma is not taking me down, nor was that ever a factor - thanks to Team Dr. S and the miracles of modern medicine. But with lots of free time sitting in a chair at the infusion clinic, or just those idle moments when the mind tends to wonder, the topic does manage to work its way into the psyche more than it did before - for me.
I've faced my share of "passings" in my lifetime, so I've not been immune from the sting, pain or reality of mortality. And my longevity isn't necessarily adversely affected by my current Big C status. But when I look around and find myself in situations that accentuate the passage of time and all that that entails, my new C-mount lens offers me a different perspective.
One of the realities that I'm realizing is that now we are the old ones ("we" being the generation who are entering Social Security age) . You've seen its evolution at countless family events; primarily weddings and funerals (the two biggest inter-generational gathering moments). There are the babies. There are the teens. There are the newlyweds. There are the mid-lifers. There are the true grownups (often now relegated to the role of caregivers). And there are the really, really old people. Many of them are young in spirit and vibrant. But increasingly, more of them are the last generation alive - too often the spouses or siblings of the aged person being honored with a wake.
As I take the tally of my own extended family, I see more and more of the senior generation being rightfully honored in their passing. And as I look around the funeral parlor room (Higgins - for those among you of the initiated), I am struck by the revelation that we are next up to bat. Again, this is not borne out of any imminent health issue or change, but the fact is that one of the most undesirable torches is being passed. I/we have many more miles to run in the great marathon of life (heck, my immune system is only 2 years old), but the observation is inescapable and worth noting - as we honor those passed and seek to make the most of our turn at the top. My we live long and prosper (though even Spock is no more).
