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Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Lifespans.


Every living thing has a life span. Even non-living things, machines, houses. They do also. The natural wear and tear, use and misuse,  all contribute to a life span.  We grieve when a life ends. Yet, we partake of nuts and berries and see the natural progression of life from seed to seed without regret, without questioning the rhythm of these things. 

Sometimes projects have a life span. They can't propell themselves past a certain stage. They lose their luster, their reason for living. People tire of them; people move on to other things.

Relationships have a life span. Have you ever lost a good friend? That person, somehow moved on to other connections.  It's a miracle that we have life-long relationships, as we change and need stimulation and support in different modes in our life time.

Two of my three blogs are ending.  I'm glad they were alive and vibrant for the months I could concentrate on them. They served their purpose. But, it is time for me to do other things, to find other connections.

Sometimes, in blogland, people leave, or drop out without telling you. We are never truly open with anyone, are we? We don't write our last comment when we are ready to leave:
"I have enjoyed following you. However, dear ...., some other blog is beckoning. Ciao!"

With each encounter, as we experience its newness, we are eager to establish rapport, common interests. We become young again, complimentary, kind and considerate to each other.  Then, the newness begins to wear out, pass through the "I heard this before" stage.

Everything has a lifespan. 

26 comments:

Tess Kincaid said...

The whole subject of lifespans has been on my mind since the death of my dear mother-in-law in March. The ending of an era and the gentle shifting in of the new. It is a cycle that encompasses almost everything. Why do we resist it so?

Brian Miller said...

i agree with willow. we can try and fight it but it is never really much good...so which ones are going away?

Unknown said...

I will miss "when I was your age."

ellen abbott said...

We get comfortable with things and change is uncomfortable. Oh, we will get comfortable again, but it takes a while. Things, people come into your life, fulfill their purpose and then move on. sometimes we're not ready for that to happen. I guess it depends on if you are the one moving on or the one getting left behind.

My neighbors here are elderly. she's 82 (83?). He came over yesterday to tell me she is in the hospital. Her health has been failing nearly since we moved in and I have seen her lose so much weight. He tells me that she is doing better and will probably be home in a few days but, well, as you say, everything has a life span.

Tabor said...

From the day that you pass your first milestone...school, graduation, first job, marriage, first child, first divorce...whatever, you are transitioning through that lifespan. But it certainly is a courtesy to your followers to let them know your transitions.

Diana said...

So true. I like what Willow commented..."why do we resist it so?" it seems to me that the pain comes more from the resistance than the transition itself. Blessings to you!

rjerdee said...

So which of your three blogs are ending? Did I miss something>

Rosaria Williams said...

I'm keeping this one, and closing Italian for Beginners, and When I was Your Age, my memoir blog. The memoir blog is completed, last chapter written, epilogue written. The language blog was for my grandchild to follow and learn; she is way too busy, as most young people are, to keep up.

fiftyodd said...

Ditto! I only found this blog recently and don't know about the others. Hope this one is staying?

Sarah Laurence said...

I'm relieved to read that this blog is still going. This was such a thoughtful post. So often people blog about beginnings but it's worth remembering the endings too and enjoying them for what they were instead of what they might be.

Saretta said...

So, is this blog going to remain? I may have disappeared for a few months, but I am back now! :-)

Cloudia said...

wise post, though you haven't worn out your welcome at all!






Aloha from Hawaii

Comfort Spiral

Villa-loredana said...

Hello dear Lake, thanks for nice words, It was nice to read all your blogs, but I respect your decision, for me all three was simply nice, I will always come back. A big kiss. Loredana.

Maggie May said...

I hope you are keeping this one open. You didn't say which!
I guess I will have to wait. At least you are keeping one going! :-)
Maggie X

Nuts in May

Ann Best said...

All true. I've experienced the ebb and flow of relationships and friendships. But the truly "eternal" ones remain, in life and in death.

You've said this so beautifully. You have a wonderful memoir "voice." So haunting, as haunting as those "friendships" such as in blogging that slip away without warning or closure. Sad. But I find it easier to let go when I have to than I did when I was younger.

Jo said...

One of my best friends passed away two weeks ago. I have known her since we were seven years old. Now she is gone, and I am having a tough time dealing with the fact that her lifespan is over. Finished.

And yes, blogging has a lifespan too. Apparently the lifespan of a blog is three years. I notice that there are blogs I don't visit anymore. I didn't make a conscious effort to stop, I just find blogging has an ebb and flow. Conversely, many of my regular readers have dropped off too, gone on to other places. Blogging is not static, it is very fluid, as is everything else in life.

I hope you keep this blog open.

Cheers!

Jo

potsoc said...

Glad to see this blog will remain. I enjoy my little visits here. I enjoyed "When I was Your Age" and Italian for Beginners" and I can understand why and how they came to there demise.

NitWit1 said...

I love visiting here. You are right--everything has a lifespan. I don't know the span of my blog as it is evolving. I settled on 2-3 posts/week.

However I follow several blogs that post once a week and they have quite a volume of followers.

Wander to the Wayside said...

Oh, I'm so glad you're not closing this one, Rosaria! I've learned a great deal from you about recording one's memories, and have enjoyed the varied topics on this blog. I just hate it when a blogger closes shop and doesn't says goodbye!

Trish and Rob MacGregor said...

Beautifully stated. From the first breath, we're on the countdown to death. Maybe it's why life is so mysterious and strange.

Marguerite said...

I'm so happy that you are keeping this blog! You are such a wise and dear friend and I think that you should publish your memoirs, they are wonderful!

Pseudo said...

This is the one I follow. I hope it is not one of the two...

xxx said...

I have nothing wise to say .... just two out of three ain't so bad and I'm glad to have one :)

I'll follow as faithfully as possible.

I enjoy all that you share.

best wishes always x

PS.. I very much enjoyed your memoir - it was interesting, easy to read and heartfelt... well done and I know that your family will love and appreciate it very much.

rjerdee said...

So glad you're keeping this blog. You are a treasure for me, Rosaria, and I totally enjoy coming here for your wise thoughts and a push to learn something new.

mermaid gallery said...

absolutely true...nothing to grieve about...that day is done. When I closed my store everybody was so sad but me. I knew there were great things ahead...Great things ahead for you too......

RNSANE said...

I work so hard at maintaining friendships, worldwide, though I know it is okay to let them go. Last year saw the end of a friendship I'd had for over thirty years. We didn't see each other often, maybe once a year - she lived in Florida but we traveled together to Europe twice and I cared for her. We were just going in such different directions and I always felt weighed down by the drama with her kids. I realized, when she wasn't part of my life, that I really didn't miss her.

I have enjoyed blogging and meeting so many people. It fits with my needs at this time in my life. Occasionally, though, I need more than a computer screen for companionship!!! And I miss working so much.