I got word over the weekend that my paternal grandmother has very little time remaining within the confines of a 91-year-old body. Not exactly my choice of reasons to go home to see my family, but also not an opportunity I’m going to postpone. I’ll be boarding a plane this afternoon and won’t be back in the studio for a few days, though I will be home in time for Saturday’s concert in Nashua.

This isn’t exactly a trip I’m looking forward to, but at the same time it’s not something I would miss. Too often we lose people without the chance to say goodbye first. My father and his sisters have been taking good care of their parents since they moved into town and there is a solid base of support for all of them.

Still, what worries me the most is how all of this will affect my dad. I can deal emotionally with a 91-year-old family member writing the epilogue of her life, but I can’t imagine seeing my mom in such condition. I definitely am thankful for the ability to visit my grandmother once more before she departs, I just hope I have the ability to strengthen my father during such a difficult time.

Photo by Chris Fleming