It’s not easy. Growing older. I recently read the deeply affecting memoir When Breath Becomes Air by a Stanford neurosurgeon who died of cancer in his 30’s. The memoir includes a quote by C.S. Lewis that points out, “Bereavement is not the truncation of married love but one of its regular phases – like the honeymoon. What we want is to live our marriage well and faithfully through that phase too.” Dang C.S. Lewis. Drop the mic. This type of hard, unflinching wisdom is so valuable because it helps us see life’s joys more clearly and prepare for its pains more intentionally. C.S. Lewis isn’t the only one with that wisdom. I bet your grandparents have it. Ask them.
Source: The Legacy Project’s phenomenal and very complete questionnaire for interviewing grandparents
Have you asked this question? How did it go? Do you have advice for how best to ask it? PLEASE RATE! AND WRITE A REVIEW (in the comment box below)!
I love this question and plan to ask my grandparents ASAP! Not only am I greedily looking forward to some insight to help me navigate my own experience of growing older, I appreciate the way this question may reveal some of what my grandparents find challenging/joyful about aging. That may help me better connect with them, and see where I can help them tackle the challenges and turn up the joy.
Great question! I love how it asks about something positive!