August 18, 2011

[chrisconlon]

I outlived my mother today.

I’m not sure what there is to say about it. I never remember the dates of family milestones, but this one sticks in my mind because it’s so easy to recall: my mother, who died in 1981, lived exactly forty-nine years, ten days.

Today, August 18, 2011, I’ve lived forty-nine years, eleven days.

I’ve never really written about

Comments

[ron_breznay]

Wow, Chris, I don't know what to say. Congratulations? Condolences? Happy something birthday? Sounds like you had some positive memories of your parents, or at least your mother. It's best to dwell on those good memories and let the bad times fade.

I was not happy with the way my father was towards me and others when I was growing up, or even later when I was an adult. But it was still difficult when he died.

You just have to cherish the good memories and the good people now in your life. I hope you had a great dinner with Charlene.

[marktlancaster]

Chris, I had the same reaction -- what to say about this moving personal essay. With a couple days thought, "thank you" is what I'm feeling. Thanks for sharing your inspirational story of a successful, happy life that began with such meager building blocks. May you have many more good days.

[chrisconlon]

Thanks for reading, gentlemen.

[tztony]

Chris, thanks for that. It's always fascinating to hear what it was that made a friend the person they are now. Especially when those friends are creatively active, a writer being case in point; So much of who you are filters, consciously and unconsciously, into your work.

This is like reading a biographical snippet not only of Chris Conlon but also, to varying degrees, of all the characters you've created. Even the mood, flow, and arc of your post echoes many of your stories. Pain, injury, and anger slowly morphing into acceptance, forgiveness, and a positive outlook of the future. Great stuff.

[chrisconlon]

Very nice of you to say, Tony.

Passing of the years

[ext_769048]

Great essay on you outliving your mom, Chris. Some people seem to mark the years by counting each birthday as it passes. Some people claim to feel old when they have had their (fill in the blank) birthday.

I remember thinking years ago how I was now older than Jimi Hendrix. A few years ago I realized that I was the same age as my father-in-law was when I first met him. I thought he was old then. What does that make me now?

My dad died when I was three. About twenty years ago, whilst in Botswana, I was the same age that he was when he died. I held my breath for a while, then realized I wasn't going to die. Whew. But those transitions from one mental state to another can be life changing.

Keep up the great writing. I'm enjoying it.

Kent Coe

Re: Passing of the years

[chrisconlon]

Long time no hear, Kent Coe! Let's go to the Park Restaurant in Gaborone and have one of those completely tasteless milkshakes they used to serve.

Thanks very much for the response, ol' Peace Corps buddy. Glad you enjoy the blog. Give my best to Cilla.