{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}} My condolences. I guess I can say that the steady wheel of time is always moving, and we are always moving with it. Dragging our heels will in no way impact when it is our time. So, we should go gracefully and confidently into our futures. We should respect all elders everywhere because they have seen and experienced more than we have. we should remember those who are lost and take their characters with us as we trudge forward and make our own marks, remembering that we too will reach that point. Humbly, we recognize that we are part of the whole fabric of being alive, and the best we can do is live the best we know how to each and every single day. It's hard to lose the people we love, and it is hard to have moments where it all seems to be slipping away so soon. That's when you have to let go, allow life to flow through you, and remember that "worrying does not empty tomorrow of its troubles, it empties today of its strength".... I hope I make it to my old age. And when I get there, I hope I am chock full with all those things I did when I could. Maybe I won't make it there, who knows, no one ever knows. If I don't, at least you can say that I have lived each day to the fullest, loved with my whole heart, and that I carried the love and respect of my own elders with me always. I hope that helps during your time of mourning.

I'm so sorry that you have lost someone you love. I lost my mother 18 months ago and I feel the same, but I live in hope that we will meet again. I feel her presence frequently. When you lose your last elder family member, it can feel like there is no one left who shares your memories or delighted in your first baby steps. There is no one left you can fact check with, no one who remembers the name of your first baby sitter or the last name of your childhood friend. God remembers. God loves you. There are still elders who need your love, even if they aren't related to you. The nursing homes are full of elders who get no visits. I'd be willing to bet you have some elderly neighbors who need your friendship. Those relationships can be rewarding too. I have several elderly neighbors that I watch over and love. And don't forget that you are an elder too. Now it is your turn to mentor and love your younger relatives and neighbors. It is your turn to build your community.

You are now an elder.