Life is for the living

As We Age We Experience the Pain of Our Long Goodbyes

Now at seventy-nine, I’m flying solo

Richard Armstrong
Crow’s Feet
Published in
3 min readMar 13, 2022

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Photo by Pavel Danilyuk from Pexels

I heard Pastor Rick Warren say recently; “The deeper the pain the fewer words needed.” His words resonated with me.

Grief multiplied

Over the last fifteen years, one by one, my siblings and their spouses died. At one time, seven sat around the table talking, laughing and enjoying one another’s company. Not so now. Two of us remain, my oldest sister and me. I’m the youngest.

Your comfort appreciated

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve appreciated each word of condolence offered. I know your words meant to bring comfort to me, which they did.

Family and friends gathered at each funeral to stand by the deceased loved one. But I stood alone at a distance. You see I was a brother or brother-in-law of the deceased. Not seen as the one standing in grief.

I’m still grieving the void of my deceased family members. No, I’m not sad. I continue on my life’s journey. I have a good wife and enjoy her immensely. Five children, their spouses and grandchildren. Yes, great-grandchildren give me great joy.

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Richard Armstrong
Crow’s Feet

An Intentional octogenarian optimist. Your past is not a prophet, at best; it is only a teacher. https://relentless-creator-1966.ck.page/df7f1ab146.