Today I am taking husband’s Aunt V. to her eye doctor appointment. She’s 92 and is slowly losing her vision. She can no longer paint or read very much, so TV and her bird are her primary sources of entertainment now. She is under additional stress lately as her sister, Aunt G. has recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer and was moved to hospice Saturday. They say two weeks, which is hard to believe; as recently as last month we had no idea.

I remember when my grandma was over 90, still living in her home on the farm, using a walker to get around. During my last visit with her she told me not to get to be such an age because you outlive everyone. I think of her now as I watch Aunt V. struggle with the impending loss of yet another of her sisters. She has lost many friends and relatives in the past few years. It must be overwhelming.

So this weekend I made potato soup and banana bread for her. Such little comfort, but it’s at least something.  I’ll spend the day with her too which I know is much more valuable.   I wish I could make it better, but I can’t change the inevitable. Many of our elders are in similar positions, so if  you know someone who is elderly and alone, facing more loss, stop by or give them a call, maybe drop a note in the mail. It’s not much, but it’s something.