The last visit

@savypat (20216)
United States
June 30, 2011 2:57pm CST
WE have just had what may be the last visit in person with our Texas cousins. They come to our part of the country every 5 or 6 years and are now in their late 70s. It's so nice to see them but always sad to realize it may be the last time. We visit often by e-mail but it's just no the same as seeing each other in person. This is the hardest part of getting elderly for us.
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13 responses
• Canada
30 Jun 11
Im sorry you feel this way. My dad is 85, still working, still driving and he even played golf yesterday and had a hole in one !!!! His brothers and sisters are all in their 80's and all doing very well.....so it might not be the last visit since they are "only" in their 70's!! You could buy a web camera, download SKYPE, have them do the same if they have a computer and then you could talk and see each other live online in between the visits. So nice you stay in touch. We need to keep in touch with our family and cherish them.
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@savypat (20216)
• United States
1 Jul 11
Nice idea, I'll see how it's received. Thanks
@stary1 (6612)
• United States
11 Aug 11
It's good that you have this realization. Now you can pay more and special attention to them. If they are in their 70's you know they could potentially live at least another 20 years...but treat them like we should treat everyone...as though every visit will be the last.
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@bhanusb (5709)
• India
1 Jul 11
Hi pat, like you I have many relatives throughout India. Some of them are very close to me. But they are not coming to my place or I'm not going to them. But I feel for them very much. Some have become old. May be I will not get chance to meet them. So I have a plan to travel whole India and meet my near and dears.
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
3 Jul 11
Hi savypat! Every time we go to Indiana to see my b/f's family I worry that it is a "last visit." My b/f still has both his mother and grandmother which he is very close to. They are both ill. We go there for vacation every year..sometimes twice if we can. It is so hard to think that a visit might be the last..life is twisted in a lot of ways. I'm glad you had a nice visit..I hope it wasn't a last one but if it was..I hope it was the best one.
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@bingchen (1119)
• China
4 Jul 11
it seems to be sad and let me think about older parents.although i can see them every year.but i find that i could not have enough time to accompany with them because of my work and life.i know they feel alone and miss me.but i have no this ablity to look after them,so i regret for them.
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@inertia4 (27961)
• United States
1 Jul 11
Getting old stinks. What you could do instead of email is try using Skype, that way you could talk to one another over the computer and see them as well. I know it's not the same as being there in person but it's better then email.
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@GardenGerty (157027)
• United States
30 Jun 11
I almost feel like that when I go to see my dad. I know he is not driving long trips now at all. I try to drive the four hours to see him every month or so. I know it is sad to think that you may not be able to see them again.
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
1 Jul 11
Hi savypat, I understand what you are saying but I try not to think that way. My 77 year old brother and his partner visited us earlier this month and although they were here for more than two weeks, it was difficult to have them leave. It was their first visit in nine years but they plan not to stay away as long this time. We are hoping to get together again in a year or two, but of course no one knows these things. Blessings.
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@ebuscat (5935)
• Philippines
1 Jul 11
For me yes that's life take it or leave it better to go on the life keep up the good work.
• Philippines
30 Jun 11
That's nice. I guess it's easier to enjoy every minute of it instead of looking at the future everytime and wondering if it is the last time. You'll appreciate everyone much more thinking like this.
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@allknowing (130088)
• India
1 Jul 11
This emotional bond that you have is on the decline sadly as not many youngsters these days feel the way you do. They are more concerned about having to put up with elders who no longer help but need help.
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@polaris77 (2040)
• Bacau, Romania
1 Jul 11
I'm sure this a very emotional and heartbreaking moment,especially when the visitors leave;the thought that we might probably not see again is very difficult to accept,but that's life and we can't do anything about it,everything and everybody has an end in this world,so we just have to live with that reality in our minds and hope that the inevitable won't take place very soon.
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@RitterSport (2451)
• Lippstadt, Germany
1 Jul 11
hi savypat I can imagine how hard this is for you when you get along great with your cousins, and they visit you and you consider your and their ages and think, will there be another family reunion or not. I think if I were in your shoes I would just try to make these visits as enjoyable and memorable as possible so if there is no next visit you will fondly remember the last time you shared with them.
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