13 Comments
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Sheila Sheridan's avatar

Beautifully written missive from the middle of the madness. A friend shared this with me as our group chat is full of the sandwich squeeze. Thank you for articulating what so many of us are feeling.

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Sue Sutherland-Wood's avatar

Brilliant, accurate, honest - so well written. Many profound thoughts here. I maintain that even getting out of bed each day is an act of bravery after a certain age. Hang in xo

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Alisa Kennedy Jones's avatar

Oh, the world. I am here in the sandwich and this is a story that resonates and needs to be told because it's rife with humanity... it's a Katz triple-decker Reuben on rye. Thank you for articulating what so many of us are going through.

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Rich Feller's avatar

Lisa… awake early, another day of downsizing attempts, life calls as todays lists follow coffee with Barb when she awakes. Now 8:40 and I read your post to say… I too am tired searching for time to make meaning from it all. Your post was comforting, reminds me the price of living and caring is expensive but a bargain knowing I have fewer days ahead than behind. What a beautiful piece of writing. Thank you

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Leslie Hoge's avatar

So beautifully written about a universal experience. My father died about five years ago, and during his decline I felt so pushed and pulled and torn. Thankfully my sister and I shared the work, but it was exhausting, unpredictable, and stressful. Though our kids and spouses were understanding, I often felt guilty that I couldn’t do it all.

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Debra Fried's avatar

I sighed about seven times as I read this - I understand it all too well. The frayed rope, the pain of love, the knowledge that there's no choice but to keep doing it. The middle is far from easy but knowing one isn't there alone is comforting. Thank you.

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The Midst's avatar

"Being a grown-up is hard." 100% yes to this. Your writing is so lovely, and this is such an excellent summation of the messy middle.

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Mary Austin (she/her)'s avatar

You sum up the challenges of the middle so beautifully!

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A Writer's avatar

You see so clearly!

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Avivah Wittenberg-Cox's avatar

Lisa, have you read the wonderful novel Sandwich by Laurie Frankel? I think you might enjoy it. As much as I've enjoyed this piece.

And you'll see, it gets better in your 60s!

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Lisa Renee's avatar

I read - and loved! - Sandwich by Catherine Newman? Might need to check out Laurie Frankel now (so many books, so little time!).

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Anne's avatar

I think you mean by Catherine Newman?

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Avivah Wittenberg-Cox's avatar

yup, that's the one. i could at least get her name right. She's done 2 brilliant books, but Sandwich is a perfect echo of Lisa's piece.

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