38 Comments
User's avatar
Maureen O’Connor Saringer's avatar

I'm in a different kind of place. Helping m 92-year-old mom, who is very frail, but does not have dementia, thanks be to god. But I've seen her decline a lot in the last six months. So a different kind of grieving and sadness. But what a great post, Emma. I really enjoy your writing and this newsletter. xoxo

Expand full comment
Laurie's avatar

I'm in a similar situation Maureen, only it is with my husband. He's 89 and fading. No dementia, but fading a little almost every day. He's 14 years older than I am. I have no experience with elderly people as all my relatives died way before the age hubby is now. I'm doing the best I can and so is he but it's tough.

Expand full comment
Tara Connor's avatar

Sending you lots of hugs and supportive thoughts, Maureen. My mom died at the end of last month, just weeks shy of 88. She did have dementia and was also very frail. What you’re doing is so hard and sad. But it’s important and necessary. I’m proud of you for doing it. Not everyone does

Expand full comment
Tara Connor's avatar

My mom’s funeral was Saturday. She died after a long, sad decline with dementia. I’ll take that hug. Sending one in return.

Expand full comment
Emma Straub's avatar

I’m so sorry. Sending extra extra hugs your way. ❤️

Expand full comment
Laura Perkins's avatar

I opened Substack with a heavy heart, having spent much of my day going over in exacting detail the events surrounding my brother's death. I thought, "I'd love to hear about Emma Straub's day, she always cheers me up!" But what you offered today was even better. Thanks for the hug.

Expand full comment
Emma Straub's avatar

I'm so sorry about your brother. <3

Expand full comment
Rhonda's avatar

This happened to me with a bank teller. I got a little emotional cashing an estate cheque in my Dad's account. Then she mentioned her Dad had just passed away a week ago. We cried together. As strangers connected by grief.

Expand full comment
Christina Martinson's avatar

Hugs really do help especially when someone can read your face. Sending one from afar! xo

Expand full comment
Jenovia 🕸️'s avatar

Thank you for this, it made my heart feel hugged. September 5th is the anniversary of my parents’ death and after almost 31 years…it still hurts. ❤️‍🔥

Expand full comment
Emilio Rios's avatar

Fascinating

Expand full comment
Laurie's avatar

Oh gosh, Emma, I love that picture so much.

Expand full comment
Hetty Lui McKinnon's avatar

Emma hugs are the best. The power of people, and community, is unmatched.

Expand full comment
Cheryl D's avatar

Emma,

Thank you for your writing and for your big heart. So glad that you are in the world.

Expand full comment
The Braver Mom's avatar

I just finished reading All Adults Here. It was a meaningful read for me. Glad to find you here in Substack. ☺️

Expand full comment
Laura Miller's avatar

Always love what you have to say, Emma. Love your insights. Thank you.

Expand full comment
Benjamin Dreyer's avatar

Thank you, Emma, for this moving, and sweet, and succinct!, story.

Expand full comment
Jeanne Desy's avatar

My cat has become a biter too. Well, she’s 14 and aging can make you bitey. I know.

Expand full comment
Alexander Chee's avatar

Also I am reminded I need to write about how much I loved your novel. This one that is. 😘

Expand full comment
Emma Straub's avatar

Love YOU.

Expand full comment
Alexander Chee's avatar

Love you Emma!

Expand full comment