I follow Miriam Margolyes on Facebook and she posted this which struck a chord.
Much to my honour she responded!
She wrote
“Growing, ripening, aging, dying — the passing of time is predestined, inevitable. There is only one solution if old age is not to be an absurd parody of our former life, and that is to go on pursuing ends that give our existence a meaning — devotion to individuals, to groups or to causes, social, political, intellectual or creative work… In old age we should wish still to have passions strong enough to prevent us turning in on ourselves. One’s life has value so long as one attributes value to the life of others, by means of love, friendship, indignation, compassion.” Simone de Beauvoir 1908-1986
So I responded !
"I’ve never commented on your page before though I always read your posts and books, but this has struck a chord and thank you for posting it. In the last few years I’ve dealt with the loss of a daughter, a younger brother and most lately my mum a matriarch and force of nature a little like you Miriam. In the past one year I’ve published a memoir, supported my older daughter through a divorce, buried my mum while continuing to work and run my charity. I see my son turn 16 this week and I turned 70 last week( yes I’m a geriatric mum and it’s all in my book!). My 70th birthday has shocked me but I realise that along with the sudden wake up call that I am no longer a spring chicken and that I’m ageing whether I like it or not I will never ever stop trying to make a difference, will continue to look forward and outward despite everything and will grow older disgracefully like you and like my mum and the long line of Jewish matriarchs before me! You are something of an inspiration to me - just saying !"
And she replied !!!!
Carolyn Mayling Author "Thankyou for such a golden reply. Good health and happiness for all our futures. Xx"
