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aging, compassion, courage, Diana Schwenk, Diana's Enormous Book of Quotes, family, Fear, growing up, hope, kindness, life, living in the moment, love, parents, Relationships, Stuff my parents used to say and do
Life isn’t always fair,
Something I heard said, while growing up in my hometown of Chateauguay many times. And it isn’t fair, it certainly doesn’t seem to be at times.
We plan, we work and we dream about the life we are building, and things don’t always work out the way we hoped. Sometimes it’s better, sometimes it crashes down on us like the destructive force of a storm. Yet, sometimes when the storm has passed, we look back and are able to say, “if not for the storm, I wouldn’t have learned (fill in the blank).”
I’m learning that in the storm, in spite of its force, in spite of my fears, I have to be brave. I have to trust that things will settle down, and I have to believe things may even be better than they were before.
The storm wakes us up. It shakes our foundations, and causes us to pay attention. It reveals what is important. It reprioritizes our priorities. And it creates a huge space for love and compassionate action.
Mom is teaching me this. My brother is showing me this, through this frightening time of transitioning Mom to a retirement home.
A new stage in life. A profound sense of not knowing and loss of autonomy. A shaking up of a life hard-worked for, painstakingly planned for, and callously turned upside down.
Yet love is there. Courage to believe is there. Hope that it may even be better than it currently is in this storm, is there.
~ DIANA’S ENORMOUS BOOK OF QUOTES ~
Mom and Mike, I am so proud of you. You may feel fear and helplessness, but I see your courage, love and hope; and I know that Dad does too. I love you!
Alan A. Malizia: Contagious Optimism! Co-Author said:
Diana,
The condition of life guarantee’s trials. All we can do is our best and bear them well. These trials have a bright side, for they provide the opportunity for faith, hope and love to prove their worth.
-Aan
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dianasschwenk said:
Exactly, Alan! ♡
Diana xo
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Denise Hisey said:
Life milestones are big..I’m glad you have the support of your brother during this difficult time. thinking of you… ❤
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dianasschwenk said:
Thank you so much Denise ♡
Diana xo
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Ann Koplow said:
Diana, I’m so proud of you. Thank you for this poignant post. ❤ xxoo
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Ann. ♡
Diana xo
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Eric Alagan said:
They’re walking the talk – teaching in the most potent manner >>> by example.
I agree with Van above – your Mom does have your smile. Or is it the other way around 🙂
All good wishes,
Eric
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dianasschwenk said:
Thank you Eric. ♡
Diana xo
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joannerambling said:
Most of us do not like the idea of going into a nursing home or retirement home because we feel we will lose our independence but sometimes it is the best place to be due to the level of care needed
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dianasschwenk said:
YES, I agree Jo-Anne! ♡
Diana xo
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utesmile said:
Been there, gone through and my mum is happy where she is. I visit her every holiday and we have super quality times together. I love going there and there is peace and contentment. May your mum experience the same. Love Ute
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dianasschwenk said:
Well that gives me hope, Ute – thank you! ♡
Diana xo
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Jean said:
To see your mother go into a retirement is huge.. is she still quite independent and simply needs 24-hr. medical assistance on standby?
Hope she finds 1-2 good resident friends.
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dianasschwenk said:
She is physically strong but has serious memory issues Jean. I hope she makes a good friend or two as well. ♡
Diana xo
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Jean said:
It’s super hard to witness it, I’m sure. It happened to a close friend, whose mother developed dementia after husband died. My friend looked after her mother for a few years. They lived in a small Ontario town.
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russtowne said:
Thank you for your powerful and heart-wrenching, yet hopeful and inspirational post, Diana.
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Russ! ♡
Diana xo
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Jennifer Kelland Perry said:
I’ve been where you are right now, Diana, and it takes a lot out of a person to witness this sort of transition. Wishing for you the hope, courage, and love you will need in the weeks and months ahead! Hugs ❤
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dianasschwenk said:
Thank you Jennifer for this loving comment . It’s especially meaningful, because I know you know. ♡
Diana xo
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David Kanigan said:
Beautiful…
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dianasschwenk said:
A beautiful disaster. A paradox. I am so sad. I am so hopeful. Thank you David. ♡
Diana xo
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vanbytheriver said:
I feel this one, D. Such a time of emotion and transition for everyone. May it go well for your mom, who, by the way, shares your smile !!
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dianasschwenk said:
Thank you so much Van. ♡
Diana xo
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