A long week....

My family dynamics are strange to say the least. My mother and my son are my only remaining biological links. My son, well the sun rises and sets around him. (See my post from January - Zaccharius)
My mother is a different story. The past 2 years have really been a struggle. We're just two very different people. The past 2 weeks have made the word "struggle" seem like a little slice of heaven. I realized that although in my head I'm still 25, I've actually matured to the point that I can let things go. Something that I never thought that I could do. I guess we do grow up after all.
My non bioligical family is also going through some tough times. I spent the day in Brooklyn, in the company of an 84 year old man that I respect emensely. He's a stubborn and good hearted man who is coming to grips with his own mortality. It's an uncomfortable situation when you get to the point of relying on your children, especially for someone who has always been so strong and independant. I am a lover of the older generation. I appreciate their wisdom and the fortitude that it takes to get through 60,70 or 80 years of life. I've struggled to make it to 44. I have an amazing amount of patience with these people (except my mother).
So as your racing through traffic, swearing at the old guy in front of you - or going through the grocery store like your on a game show, running down everyone in your way - take a breath and slow down. Hold the door open for the man or woman with a cane, pull down that jar of pickles, that's just a little too high for them. Don't sit in your car scowling as your waiting for them to cross the street. There is no place that you have to be that can't wait just a minute or two.
2 Days ago, I was walking through the parking lot into the store, when I saw an older man and his wife pulling out - with his cane on the roof of the car. I knocked on his window (I think he thought I was going to mug him- note to self, never to leave the house without makeup on) He opened the door and I handed him the cane. He seemed so embarrassed. The funny thing was I had just left my house the day before and drove all the way to that same store (a mile or so) with my plastic drink bottle on my roof (thank god for roof racks).
Once I told him that, I think it made him feel a little better.
It's amazing how slowing down a little, gives you a whole different perspective.
When we're all dead, there's no gate that clocks how fast we got there.