WRITING PROMPT 89

What Do I Leave Behind?

Things that have meaning and links to the past

Photo by Juliane Liebermann on Unsplash

In my Boomers-only community, I belong to a book club. Not surprisingly, all the members are women. They are warm and funny, and we bring salads, appetizers, and dessert to share while we discuss that month’s book.

The other women share stories about their grandchildren, including their achievements, where they live, and when they visit. They don’t brag, but they like to let everyone know how many grandchildren they have and their ages. It is a badge of honor; the grandchildren are their legacy.

I don’t begrudge them that; it is an achievement to be proud of. It also means they have people to leave their stuff to. I am at the age now where I am thinking about that. Until a recent unpleasant conversation with my doctor, I had convinced myself I was a youngster, fifty at the most. But apparently “Time’s winged chariot” is hurrying near a little faster than I expected.

I don’t have children, so that eliminates grandchildren, but none of the ladies in the book club has asked me about that yet.

I don’t regret not having kids. It’s the more practical matter of who gets my stuff if both my husband and I are gone that concerns me. My only heir is my niece, my late sister’s…