In the end, I’ll die in solitude, with the bitterness of loneliness.
At least that’s what the Pope has predicted for me, a married woman without children.
The Pope’s not alone in this sentiment.
Who will take care of you when you’re old? Aren’t you worried about dying alone? If I had a nickel for every time I heard these questions…
This obsession with dying alone confuses me. I mean, unless you’re the victim of some tragic transportation accident or a member of Heaven’s Gate, we’ll all probably die alone. Few have the fortune of dying in groups.
The chance that anyone will take her very last breath in the very same moment as a group in her very near vicinity seems, well, unlikely.
We’re told that when we’re old, the only person we’re supposed to be is the person we are to our children. The people who knew us before aren’t around anymore.
We’re told that only those we brought into the world will see us. Only our children will know us. Only our children will care for us.
We’re told all of these things.
Never mind evidence to the contrary.
Who am I going to be when I’m not supposed to be anybody anymore?
When I’m not supposed to be anybody anymore, I’ll shop in my pajamas. I’ll drink wine with breakfast. I’ll tell people what I really think.
When I’m not supposed to be anybody anymore, I’ll relish in my invisibility. Nobody cares what people who they don’t see are doing. Imagine what I’ll get away with!
Who will I be when I’m not supposed to be anybody anymore?
Exactly whoever the hell I want to be. And it will be glorious.
Celebrating the beginning of the end (a.k.a., 40th bday) of my sad, pathetic, bitter, and lonely childfree life. Hi, Pope Francis!
*I had the pleasure of participating in a TLC Writing Retreat last fall where retreat participants were given this prompt. While clearing some clutter on my computer, I discovered my notes from the retreat and was inspired to think about the question again. Thank you, Tammy and Linda, for an incredible experience!
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