I read the review of Still Alice and, as it often occurs to me, much is made of the fact Alice was at the pinnacle of her career, a distinguished professor of psychology, etc.
I was married to a man with a pedigree like that but it is not what mattered at the end of the day. What about someone who is just a great mother or a kind and loving person? As Some people worry about their career falling apart; I worry more about whether I will be able to relate to my dear grandchildren if and when they come? Will I be able to handle a tea party on the lawn under a tree if one is a girl? Or pull one in a wagon if he is a boy?
Let us not lose sight of priorities in our lives, like the sweet chirp of my hummingbirds outside my windows as they pause to look in at me. I remember when I worked in Silicon Valley and would have lunch with my boss, and he would go on about his five children excelling in soccer or at the top of their class, and I would say, “Tom, I have heard so much about them, but I want to know which one is compassionate? Which one makes everyone laugh? Which one helps their Mom in kitchen or greets you at the door?” And so he did; and he heard about mine—and that is something I would like to see across the board, not just in your publication. Thank you for the work you do. My neurologist is a wonder, and my faith, family, and friends and the hope of a heaven where there is no pain gets me through.
—Arlene
