Chloe, these are such beautiful and insightful contemplations! I was moved at every paragraph, drawn fluidly from one to the next by the common thread of the heart-aching preciousness of life.
“When one hand is tending to life beginning and the other to life ending, one’s arms are stretched so widely open that the heart is entirely exposed—a most vulnerable and liberating state.” Being able to live in freedom in this state is such a gift of truth, often too scary for people to receive.
“…because when we do not know or understand another being we become detached from the truth of it’s preciousness.” I’ve been contemplating this same subject this week, as I was writing my essay (for Tuesday) about the way that choosing to be curious about the world around us will prompt us to be amazed by it which will prompt caring and connection - so that these simple acts of engagement truly change the world.
“…we are more often punished by our unkindnesses, than for them. We are typically invited into new stages of life. Only after many refusals are we dragged.” This had me so much in mind of my own family, and my own future…
Beautifully written, poignant reflections, lifting hope on the wings of the Swift :)
“… a damaged relationship to wisdom.”Your words around this thought reminded me of a time when three or four generations of a family lived under the same roof. Sometimes for financial reasons. The aged members helped raise the youngest and shared the wisdom from their younger lives. And were loved for their presence. We’ve “advanced” from those days and are bereft of their love. Thank you for sharing your knowledge of Swifts and their living at full speed.
Absolutely, Gary. I don't doubt that the prolific death-phobia which haunts our culture has been fed greatly by that kind of set-up becoming a thing of the past. Lack of up-close exposure to ageing and dying has turned both into something that we fear, and also secretly imagine that we might be able to avoid... Thank you so much for reading.
Children raised in multi-generational homes are so fortunate. How sad it is that our old ones are sent away to live out their last days in nursing homes, where their wisdom is not valued. You can tell a lot about a culture by the way they treat their aged ones.
In full agreement. A local biologist, environmentalist, and keen observer of shorebirds here in north Florida (proximate with Tallahassee), is Susan Cerulean. In 2020 Susan published “I HAVE BEEN ASSIGNED THE SINGLE BIRD. a daughter’s memoir”
As her beloved father slowly succumbed to dementia, amongst her siblings she agreed to be his primary caregiver. Her dad finally had to be housed in a continuing care facility. She painstakingly details the battles she waged with directors and staff alike. For many staff, it was just a job. One performed begrudgingly. Indeed, the fate of that “single bird.”
I believe government should financially support this form of care. Providing funds for in home care providers while allowing the elderly ongoing contact with family members. Yes, 24/7 care requires lodging in the home, too intrusive for some.
It’s never a bad idea to walk a mile in another’s shoes. I’m grateful for your awareness and wisdom.
Serendipitous to read this beautiful essay and some of the comments here. Especially after this deeply depressing quote in an Economist article:
Naomi Punaro, a university lecturer in Mexico City, moved her 92 year old mother in with her a few years ago. “The government takes advantage of this expectation,” she says. “Caring limits my life.”
I am 82 and I still have a long way to go (if I am lucky) to match my dad’s 90 years and my mom’s 98. Still healthy and active I thank the god I don’t believe in everyday for the genes they gave me.
It’s been a tough week emotionally. My dad is not been doing well and I spent the week with my parents helping him recover from his last hospitalization. The love, kindness and wisdom you share each week is such a gift. Thank you, Chloe. ❤️
Oh, Ben, I'm so sorry to hear that. I hope this goes without saying, but you know you can email me any time, right? No pressure to, of course, I know you have good people around. But whether it's for advice or just an ear, I'm here ❤️
Oh Chloe, your offerings to the world are so healing, soothing and uplifting.
Today I listened to your voice for the first time as you read your words.
WOW, so that adds another level!! Often a voice recording is simply a convenience to the would be reader, but in your case it is a gift, the icing on the cake, the extra special gold embossed edition.
Can only imagine if this was what people heard in their ears first thing in the morning, that our world would be a more thoughtful, considered, and beautiful place.
Jo, honestly, your comments just make me melt. Thank you so much, I'm so glad you enjoyed my sleepy audio. I so appreciate you reading, and now listening too! xx
"... we are more often punished by our unkindnesses, than for them..." Wow. Is that ever true. We can't really know this until we get older. Such a lovely post today, Chloe. I will now have to research swifts - I know nothing about them other than having seen flocks of them dancing in the sky over Algiers a long time ago. Your memory of doves bathing brought back such a memory. I hope you do not mind if I share it here. It's from a travel tale about an April morning in Venice:
"Under an open spigot at the public well in the Campo Santa Maria Formosa, fat grey pigeons are wading around in the puddles, pecking, cooing, wetting their heads. One pigeon flops over onto her side directly under the flowing water and lifts her wing straight up, as if in her own private shower. She now rolls over and lifts the other wing. The sheer ecstasy of the cold bath seems to have washed away all natural fear. She is not concerned with the people, the dogs or the cats roaming about the square; she thinks only of her joy. How I envy her total abandon."
Dearest Chelo, I am sure you have written this with me in mind. 🤣I am in the US visiting my precious 92 years old mom. There is so much wisdom in your words. The reference to your age and your mom's death hits home. I am about to pass the age of my father when he passed.
“When one hand is tending to life beginning and the other to life ending, one’s arms are stretched so widely open that the heart is entirely exposed—a most vulnerable and liberating state.”
Fortunate are the beings whose path lies just there, in between.
"This year, I will become older than my mother was when she died. I’ve noticed that a rather entitled part of me had felt as though I were owed life, up to now, but the years that lie ahead are so clearly gifts." This past year, I too, am older than my mother when she died. At 73 years old I feel like every day is a gift. Thank you for sharing yourself and your wise words. Judy, Vermont, USA.
Such beautiful writing, Chloe, as always. Others here have pointed to those details, so I'll add how happy I am to hear someone singing about swifts. I'm not accustomed to them here in Maine, but I've been haunted by them since reading the title essay in Vesper Flights by Helen Macdonald, and then writing about them a bit too. My favorite word for a while was aeroecology...
Your title, by the way, is gorgeous. There's a book there.
Oh I didn’t know you used to live in California! And I totally relate to the love of rain - as someone who lives in LA, it feels like a miracle every time it rains! 🌧️ I was also relieved to be reading about Swift birds, rather than Taylor!
Yes, there'll be no mention of the blonde monolith here, but I do wonder whether the birds might manage to get themselves off the globally endangered list if they were to align themselves with her, somehow!
“I can’t help but wonder whether our pathological lauding of it (old age) speaks to a damaged relationship to wisdom.” Such a powerful statement
Thanks so much for reading, Joshua :)
What a beautiful thoughtful piece of writing. This like the swift for you will stay with me forever. Thank-you for sharing.
Chloe, these are such beautiful and insightful contemplations! I was moved at every paragraph, drawn fluidly from one to the next by the common thread of the heart-aching preciousness of life.
“When one hand is tending to life beginning and the other to life ending, one’s arms are stretched so widely open that the heart is entirely exposed—a most vulnerable and liberating state.” Being able to live in freedom in this state is such a gift of truth, often too scary for people to receive.
“…because when we do not know or understand another being we become detached from the truth of it’s preciousness.” I’ve been contemplating this same subject this week, as I was writing my essay (for Tuesday) about the way that choosing to be curious about the world around us will prompt us to be amazed by it which will prompt caring and connection - so that these simple acts of engagement truly change the world.
“…we are more often punished by our unkindnesses, than for them. We are typically invited into new stages of life. Only after many refusals are we dragged.” This had me so much in mind of my own family, and my own future…
Beautifully written, poignant reflections, lifting hope on the wings of the Swift :)
Sydney, thank you so much for detailing the thoughts prompted! I'm so glad that this landed with you. Looking forward to reading your Tuesday essay.
“… a damaged relationship to wisdom.”Your words around this thought reminded me of a time when three or four generations of a family lived under the same roof. Sometimes for financial reasons. The aged members helped raise the youngest and shared the wisdom from their younger lives. And were loved for their presence. We’ve “advanced” from those days and are bereft of their love. Thank you for sharing your knowledge of Swifts and their living at full speed.
Absolutely, Gary. I don't doubt that the prolific death-phobia which haunts our culture has been fed greatly by that kind of set-up becoming a thing of the past. Lack of up-close exposure to ageing and dying has turned both into something that we fear, and also secretly imagine that we might be able to avoid... Thank you so much for reading.
Hear Hear!
Children raised in multi-generational homes are so fortunate. How sad it is that our old ones are sent away to live out their last days in nursing homes, where their wisdom is not valued. You can tell a lot about a culture by the way they treat their aged ones.
In full agreement. A local biologist, environmentalist, and keen observer of shorebirds here in north Florida (proximate with Tallahassee), is Susan Cerulean. In 2020 Susan published “I HAVE BEEN ASSIGNED THE SINGLE BIRD. a daughter’s memoir”
As her beloved father slowly succumbed to dementia, amongst her siblings she agreed to be his primary caregiver. Her dad finally had to be housed in a continuing care facility. She painstakingly details the battles she waged with directors and staff alike. For many staff, it was just a job. One performed begrudgingly. Indeed, the fate of that “single bird.”
I believe government should financially support this form of care. Providing funds for in home care providers while allowing the elderly ongoing contact with family members. Yes, 24/7 care requires lodging in the home, too intrusive for some.
It’s never a bad idea to walk a mile in another’s shoes. I’m grateful for your awareness and wisdom.
Serendipitous to read this beautiful essay and some of the comments here. Especially after this deeply depressing quote in an Economist article:
Naomi Punaro, a university lecturer in Mexico City, moved her 92 year old mother in with her a few years ago. “The government takes advantage of this expectation,” she says. “Caring limits my life.”
I am 82 and I still have a long way to go (if I am lucky) to match my dad’s 90 years and my mom’s 98. Still healthy and active I thank the god I don’t believe in everyday for the genes they gave me.
Pleased to hear it, Dave. Enjoy those genes!
My sentiments exactly, Dave. I know I won't make it to my mother's age of 97, but I give thanks every day to the unknown for the gifts of her wisdom.
It’s been a tough week emotionally. My dad is not been doing well and I spent the week with my parents helping him recover from his last hospitalization. The love, kindness and wisdom you share each week is such a gift. Thank you, Chloe. ❤️
Oh, Ben, I'm so sorry to hear that. I hope this goes without saying, but you know you can email me any time, right? No pressure to, of course, I know you have good people around. But whether it's for advice or just an ear, I'm here ❤️
Thank you, friend. I will be taking you up on that offer at some point. 🙏
Oh Chloe, your offerings to the world are so healing, soothing and uplifting.
Today I listened to your voice for the first time as you read your words.
WOW, so that adds another level!! Often a voice recording is simply a convenience to the would be reader, but in your case it is a gift, the icing on the cake, the extra special gold embossed edition.
Can only imagine if this was what people heard in their ears first thing in the morning, that our world would be a more thoughtful, considered, and beautiful place.
Thank you. xx
Jo, honestly, your comments just make me melt. Thank you so much, I'm so glad you enjoyed my sleepy audio. I so appreciate you reading, and now listening too! xx
"... we are more often punished by our unkindnesses, than for them..." Wow. Is that ever true. We can't really know this until we get older. Such a lovely post today, Chloe. I will now have to research swifts - I know nothing about them other than having seen flocks of them dancing in the sky over Algiers a long time ago. Your memory of doves bathing brought back such a memory. I hope you do not mind if I share it here. It's from a travel tale about an April morning in Venice:
"Under an open spigot at the public well in the Campo Santa Maria Formosa, fat grey pigeons are wading around in the puddles, pecking, cooing, wetting their heads. One pigeon flops over onto her side directly under the flowing water and lifts her wing straight up, as if in her own private shower. She now rolls over and lifts the other wing. The sheer ecstasy of the cold bath seems to have washed away all natural fear. She is not concerned with the people, the dogs or the cats roaming about the square; she thinks only of her joy. How I envy her total abandon."
That's one exquisite memory, Sharron, and I'm grateful you shared it. I'll never understand why Pigeons aren't universally adored, bless their hearts.
Dearest Chelo, I am sure you have written this with me in mind. 🤣I am in the US visiting my precious 92 years old mom. There is so much wisdom in your words. The reference to your age and your mom's death hits home. I am about to pass the age of my father when he passed.
It's all for you, Kabir, you know that! ♥️ We've been thinking of you and sending love.
“When one hand is tending to life beginning and the other to life ending, one’s arms are stretched so widely open that the heart is entirely exposed—a most vulnerable and liberating state.”
Fortunate are the beings whose path lies just there, in between.
Even the airborne Swift would find delight.
♥️♥️♥️(🐾⛷️🎨)
There will be beauty noticed this week because of your own observations shared here.
That thought makes me very happy, thank you Traci
As always, beautiful.
Thank you so much, Sherman.
"This year, I will become older than my mother was when she died. I’ve noticed that a rather entitled part of me had felt as though I were owed life, up to now, but the years that lie ahead are so clearly gifts." This past year, I too, am older than my mother when she died. At 73 years old I feel like every day is a gift. Thank you for sharing yourself and your wise words. Judy, Vermont, USA.
Judy in Vermont, thank you so much for taking the time to read and to share a little.
Such beautiful writing, Chloe, as always. Others here have pointed to those details, so I'll add how happy I am to hear someone singing about swifts. I'm not accustomed to them here in Maine, but I've been haunted by them since reading the title essay in Vesper Flights by Helen Macdonald, and then writing about them a bit too. My favorite word for a while was aeroecology...
Your title, by the way, is gorgeous. There's a book there.
Thanks so much, Jason, especially for the reminder to read Vesper Flights--what have I been doing! Aeroecology, now that's a beautiful word.
Love this wondrous piece. And I'm adoring the wondrous reactions from todo el mundo. Bravo!
Kenneth, thank you my friend ❤️
“Unarmored and graceful” thank you love for this reminder, I will be carrying these words with me as often as I can. Beautiful writing as always.
Thank you so much my love ♥️
Oh I didn’t know you used to live in California! And I totally relate to the love of rain - as someone who lives in LA, it feels like a miracle every time it rains! 🌧️ I was also relieved to be reading about Swift birds, rather than Taylor!
Yes, there'll be no mention of the blonde monolith here, but I do wonder whether the birds might manage to get themselves off the globally endangered list if they were to align themselves with her, somehow!