William Penn Life, 2016 (51. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2016-05-01 / 5. szám
Aging Well with Cothy Graham More than a dream WHEN MY LIFE BEGINS to bulge at the seams and there is no room left for air, I push myself to sleep in search of release. I flip my pillow repeatedly, finding the cool side. I know exactly where I am going because I have had this same dream on and off for over 20 years. The day is always sunny, and I am wearing the same almost white sundress with a red paisley pattern. My feet are wrapped in clunky sandals--a familiar look from my childhood. I am not sure of my age, but my hand fits nicely into my mother's palm. The sound is customary of an amusement park as we wait in line to ride a wooden roller coaster. My mother and I patiently stand in the deepest row, staging for the front car. Then, finally, it is our turn. My mom gets in first, and I squish as close to her as possible. My feet are chattering against the floor board with excitement. With the first sensation of movement, we look at each other as we burst into a big scream. The first hill climb stirs the anticipation, as we ascend at a two-up/one-back pace. The car makes its way to the first curve, and we declare our faces to the sun. Holding hands, we reach upward and laugh with a roar that rivals the sound of the coaster. I wake up refreshed and humored by another delightful ride with my mom. By the second cup of coffee, I still feel the flush of the experience, and I avoid any contact that will snap me completely out of the vision. In reality, I know that my mother was terrified of roller coasters, and that I would never agree to the front car. Photo © Can Stock Photo Inc./jsalonis For me, this recurring dream is proof of the still-attached apron string to my mom, who passed away many years ago. Perfectly framed, it serves as a reminder that she is with me throughout the ups and downs of life, holding tightly and letting go in the same moment as only a mother can do. She guides me, comforts me and simply adores me when I have little good left. I sense my mom in other places, too—her electric blue eyes showing up on the face of a stranger or her fleeting image turning a comer. I feel her now as I type these words, her hands moving with mine, her spirit nestling between the spaces where my breasts once were. I believe our loved ones never leave us. They surround us if we let them and brake us if we are willing. They are never gone, and we are never alone. It is all just as real as a swirling hug. □ Cathy Graham is director of the Graceful Aging Wellness Center at Bethlen Communities in Ligonier, Pa. Show your WPA pride! We received a new shipment of our popular Lands’ End® brand, 100% cotton, short-sleeved polo shirts featuring an embroidered William Penn Association logo. These are the same comfortable shirts worn by volunteers at various WPA events. The men’s shirt features a two-button placket, and the women’s shirt features a four-button placket. Available in charcoal heather grey only, while supplies last. Name:___________________ City:___________________State:_______Zip:________ Email:__________________________________________ Size (Circle One): Mens S M L XL XXL Womens S M L XL XXL Make check payable to “William Penn Association” Mail form & check to: Shirt Offer, William Penn Association, 709 Brighton Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 William Penn Life ° May 2016 ° 5
