We need to talk about
death. More. And getting old. In detail, and with specific requests and wishes
made clear. Cheery topics for mother’s day!
But by avoiding these
uncomfortable subjects or talking only in vague terms we are storing up trouble
and heartache.
My mum always told me 'Push me off a cliff when I go ga-ga!’. Turns out there aren’t that many cliffs
in north London. And what exactly did she mean by 'ga-ga'? Then, now and in the
future.
Did she mean she’d
rather die than go into an old peoples’ home? Did she mean spend every last
penny of my savings on keeping me in my own home? Or did she mean do what you
think best? Was she releasing me metaphorically from duty and guilt, or heaping
it on my shoulders?
Too late to ask for
certain. So this Mother’s Day I am going to make my wishes clear to my nearest
and dearest. Push me under a bus
when I go ga-ga. Much easier in London.