Outliving the Kids

Ms C is the most amazing lady you could ever meet.  She was a vibrant and loyal wife and mother and she talks of family a lot with one thing that stops her – she is 96 and has lost 3 of her 4 children to cancer or related illness. 

She feels guilty and during a drive she is so grateful and ashamed that she is putting me out.  When I ask her how she is making out, she is always “okay, I guess” .. it appears as if she doesn’t want to feel good as it may take from the misery she feels losing her kids over a twenty month period. 

I attended the latest funeral of her daughter, and felt so moved that I donated my time that day so I could give her respect.  I took three ladies to the same funeral in the bus and they were moved to tears when they learned the drive was “my gift”. 

Ms C had a couple of falls and at now 98 she has lost her confidence somewhat and uses the van more often to avoid another fall.