I’m glad you republished this since I missed it the first time. I agree that it is very hard to accept the distance that keeps us away from people or places where we want to be. On the other hand, sometimes we wish there was more distance between ourselves and something that is disturbing. For example, most Canadians currently think that it would be better if we could put some distance between ourselves and our neighbour to the south!!
This week's Endgame touched a cord. Not being well-read, I am not familiar with Shirley Hazzard. I am familiar with cultural distance, emotional distance, and running away. I escaped Ontario for Quebec despite not speaking French. Strangely, I'm more 'at home' here despite the distance from my children and grandchildren who live in Ontario. My heart aches for them. The little ones are growing up without really knowing their maternal grandmama - me. But I am loathe to return to an English language province that has ripped out my soul. Do I stay or do I go? What matters more - connection with people I love or isolation from those I fear?
I’m glad you republished this since I missed it the first time. I agree that it is very hard to accept the distance that keeps us away from people or places where we want to be. On the other hand, sometimes we wish there was more distance between ourselves and something that is disturbing. For example, most Canadians currently think that it would be better if we could put some distance between ourselves and our neighbour to the south!!
This week's Endgame touched a cord. Not being well-read, I am not familiar with Shirley Hazzard. I am familiar with cultural distance, emotional distance, and running away. I escaped Ontario for Quebec despite not speaking French. Strangely, I'm more 'at home' here despite the distance from my children and grandchildren who live in Ontario. My heart aches for them. The little ones are growing up without really knowing their maternal grandmama - me. But I am loathe to return to an English language province that has ripped out my soul. Do I stay or do I go? What matters more - connection with people I love or isolation from those I fear?
With age we realize that”those who matter” don’tatter and are mostly dead.
But I agree that Shirley Hazzard mattered