On Aging Well

Many observers noted that John Paul II's very public and prolonged illness offered a lesson for the church in how to die. They may be right, but most of us will have the excruciating privilege of learning from more familiar tutors.

My dad has had three strokes and a heart attack. Mom has two bad knees, a bulging disk in her back, and has been managing an undiagnosed illness for the last two months. My mother-in-law has lymphoma, macular degeneration, and arthritis. Joni's parents and in-laws have had many of those same problems, with the addition of MS, multiple myeloma, and hip replacement.

What does embodied spirituality look like? We see Moms whose constant pain does not turn them inward or hinder their love toward others. Spouses grateful for another day together long after the routines have become difficult. A husband who, seeing his wife hesitate over the chemotherapy pills, quietly gripped her hands and offered to take the pills with her if it would help. We see parents who are determined to power through difficulty, but surrendered car keys to their babies without argument. They keep their chins up and smile when we talk about when to sell the house.

Our parents model truthfulness with grace, so they do not pretend these days are easy. The days are often rugged. But they, our teachers, remind us that God is good and life is sweet. They show us what it looks like to persevere in faith and hope. They continue to shower us with love. As always, we hope to follow their example.

With love and gratitude,
Bob