http://www.aradicalsabbatical.com/2007/10/09/evolution-of-growing-up/ Hearing loss, sabbatical, life, love, friendships and aging Sat, 19 May 2012 20:51:59 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.5 http://www.aradicalsabbatical.com/2007/10/09/evolution-of-growing-up/#comment-49 Kim Thu, 11 Oct 2007 07:18:05 +0000 http://www.aradicalsabbatical.com/2007/10/09/evolution-of-growing-up/#comment-49 Though I have aunts and uncles and cousins I grew up with a family who took the place of my real relatives when my family moved to the west coast. We celebrated all our holidays together and I rarely saw my real cousins, aunts or uncles growing up. We were much closer to the Whitmores. There's a funny story behind them because they used to be our nextdoor neighbors in Michigan, then they moved here to Washington only six months after we did. Anne is my Godmother and my middle name is her name. So I've known this family my entire life. I understand how a close friend can take the place of relatives. This past summer we all had a "family reunion" with the Whitmores again-- minus "Whit." He died a couple years ago of cancer. I'm so sorry you experienced this with your aunt Salla. It seems time stops for those we haven't seen in a long time, then we are shocked when we realize they've aged. You've been so busy taking care of your own parents and family these past few years, Pearl, so don't be too hard on yourself. It was great you saw them. Somewhere deep inside I'm sure Salla felt the love that was in your heart for her still. Though I have aunts and uncles and cousins I grew up with a family who took the place of my real relatives when my family moved to the west coast. We celebrated all our holidays together and I rarely saw my real cousins, aunts or uncles growing up. We were much closer to the Whitmores. There’s a funny story behind them because they used to be our nextdoor neighbors in Michigan, then they moved here to Washington only six months after we did. Anne is my Godmother and my middle name is her name. So I’ve known this family my entire life. I understand how a close friend can take the place of relatives. This past summer we all had a “family reunion” with the Whitmores again– minus “Whit.” He died a couple years ago of cancer. I’m so sorry you experienced this with your aunt Salla. It seems time stops for those we haven’t seen in a long time, then we are shocked when we realize they’ve aged. You’ve been so busy taking care of your own parents and family these past few years, Pearl, so don’t be too hard on yourself. It was great you saw them. Somewhere deep inside I’m sure Salla felt the love that was in your heart for her still.

]]> http://www.aradicalsabbatical.com/2007/10/09/evolution-of-growing-up/#comment-48 Linda Wed, 10 Oct 2007 01:50:25 +0000 http://www.aradicalsabbatical.com/2007/10/09/evolution-of-growing-up/#comment-48 Oh Pearl, reading this brought tears to my eyes. No words, just empathy. I feel for you. Oh Pearl, reading this brought tears to my eyes. No words, just empathy. I feel for you.

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