Being in relationship with another is NOT implicitly about
- sharing experiences & creating memories while we can, or embracing cozy nostalgia (though those moments may happen)
- “give & take” interactions, mutual enlightenment, reciprocal edification
- affirmation, endorsement, approval
- returning a favor, a debt owed, or “paying it forward”
- 1:1 balance, eye for an eye
Sometimes it’s about assisting the other person, holding them, being a source of comfort, security, guidance, when they cannot help themselves. Perhaps their only reaction is an air of peace about them, not even a quiet smile.
Especially at the end of life. We come into this world not knowing what the heck is going on, and often the humans around us who help us through don’t know either. And still, we have all been through it (lol), and many have written about it or shared knowledge of their experiences - yet somehow that doesn’t make it any easier. It strikes me that the same thing happens at the end of life. We don’t know what’s coming, and often the the humans around us who help us through don’t know either, despite all the writing and shared accounts. We all do the best we can.
