As you reach your 40s, you may see the inevitable process of aging in not only yourself but also your family members. It can be a difficult and emotional time, especially when faced with the reality of losing loved ones. But there are ways to make the most of the time you have left with them and cherish the memories you’ve created together.
Spend Quality Time Together One of the most valuable gifts you can give your aging or sick family members is your time. Plan special outings, take them to their favorite restaurants, or just chat and reminiscing about old memories. These moments will not only bring happiness to their lives but also provide you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Last week was only the second time I had seen my family in the past few years. Of course, Covid had a huge hand in that.
But as I walked around the small town that I grew up in, I realised just how much time was passing us by. I am quite fortunate that both of my parents are still alive. However, at the ages of 76 and 73, I realise that time is rushing by quicker and quicker.
I then realised that in possibly ten years from now, one, possibly both, may no longer be with us. On social media, childhood friends from the same era I grew up in have lost parents and I always put the standard care emoji, etc. But I know that one day the posts that they post will become mine
Living a thousand miles away from my parents does not really help, but I racked my brains about the best ways possible to spend more time with them. Let’s be honest, travel is not as easy as it was just five years ago. The cost of living, industrial action, rising ticket prices, collapses of travel, etc. Never really helps.
But then I thought about what I want to do to capture their memories when they were gone. I came up with a few personal milestones.
Save and backup all WhatsApp messages and voice messages. We take WhatsApp for granted. Yes, it is a Meta platform; it is an app that has killed of SMS but we can easily lose those precious messages and voice messages that one day we will long to listen to. Back them up to Google or another platform and make sure they are backed up daily. One day, those voice messages, regardless of how trivial, will be all you have left.
Scan all those old photos, yes it is a pain in the ass, but how many photos in our lifetimes have we thrown away or discarded? Not all memories are on Instagram or in the cloud. Download a decent app and ensure that you take some time to scan all those precious memories. Use AI apps to enhance some of those pictures that are scratched or damaged to fix. Again, back them up!
Listen and Offer Support Many elderly or sick individuals may feel isolated and alone. By simply being there for them, listening to their stories and offering support, you can make a significant difference in their lives. This can be done by visiting regularly, calling, or sending cards or messages to let them know you are thinking of them.
Create Keepsakes Creating keepsakes such as photo albums, scrapbooks, or video montages can be a great way to remember the good times and keep the memories alive. These items can also be passed down to future generations, preserving the legacy of your loved ones.
Seek Professional Help To deal with the passing of a loved one can be a very emotional and challenging time. If you struggle with grief, seeking professional help is a good idea. A counselor or therapist can offer support and guidance as you navigate the grieving process.
In conclusion, being in your 40s and facing the realities of aging and passing of loved ones can be a hard journey, but it is important to cherish the memories and make the most of the time you have left with your loved ones. By spending quality time, offering support, creating keepsakes, and seeking professional help when needed, you can ensure that the memories of your loved ones live on in your heart and the hearts of others.
One day, we will be the dying generation with nothing but memories left. What we see as trivial should never be.
Nothing is ever trivial in terms of memories.
