Are You in The Middle Place?
Kelly Corrigan's wonderful book, The Middle Place, explores what it means to be a parent and a child at the same time. The author writes about receiving a devastating cancer diagnosis after the birth of her daughter. Her immediate reaction? Call HOME.
Corrigan explains in her prologue, "Even when…a marriage license, a notarized deed, two birth certificates, and seven years of tax returns—clearly indicates you're an adult…there you are, clutching the phone and thanking God that you're still somebody's daughter."
I'm not in The Middle Place yet. I'm blessed to have active, healthy parents who hike, bike, swim (and often run circles around me). They're a huge part of my life and I often find myself calling home to hear their voices and get that familiar reassurance.
But at the same time, my husband's mom and dad are close to ninety. And it's clear that this once-vibrant couple can't be on their own much longer. My husband and his brothers have difficult choices to make…and soon.
Are you in The Middle Place? Or beyond? How have you handled it?
*Did you enjoy this post? Sign up for Lauren's newsletter & stay in the loop with all of her writing news here! (p.s. Book 2 is out in Spring 2012!)*
