ELLIE’S STORY #53
All in the Family
When “More” is best
Note to readers: This is the last chapter of Coming of Age at Forty: Ellie’s Story, though there will be an epilogue. I would appreciate feedback if you’ve followed the story. I am planning for a Spring release (electronic and paperback).
Tovah, Nikki, and Eddie continued to be important voices that anchored us, sometimes in ways unexpected.
Tovah helped me to see that Penny needed less from me and Alfred needed more.
“Even if they don’t say it, you should understand the following. For Penny, just knowing you are in her corner is enough, maybe with a question she’ll throw in from time to time. Alfred, who seems to need very little, needs to know that he is still your top priority. You can’t overdo that reassurance, and the best way is to show him, not just tell him.”
I heard Tovah and would make certain my behavior mirrored her advice.
Tom was focused on his impending transition to Oberlin. He was comfortable switching gears to academia, but he wondered whether he would miss having a clinical practice where he could help young adults.
“Ellie, so many of them struggle and have significant mental health challenges. I know I can help them because I have. I can sometimes be that…
