My lovely mother Irene died almost three weeks ago. I’ve written about her many times. At 99, she was still lively, playing the piano, discussing politics, enjoying poetry. Her mental sharpness belied her frailty.
I had the deep privilege of being with her for the two weeks before she passed.
I had no prior experience in this part of human life and as meaningful as it was, it sapped all my energy.
In the weeks since, I haven’t known what to write and so I haven’t written. But then the universe gave me a small nudge in the form of a friendly note from a reader who liked a thing I’d written about energy: The energy well. It was a good reminder that rest is required after energy is spent. While I’m refilling my well, here are some of things I wrote about Irene. She remains an inspiration.
Still practicing at 96: https://susanpalmer.org/2022/01/07/a-musical-pact-with-a-96-year-old/
Her love of reading: https://susanpalmer.org/2022/11/23/my-curious-mother/
Learning about Islam: https://susanpalmer.org/2024/10/18/life-long-curiosity/
Delving into poet Christina Rosetti: https://susanpalmer.org/2025/01/07/staying-curious/
Lifting weights at 99: https://susanpalmer.org/2025/01/09/quality-of-a-life/
Susan Palmer's Exquisite Now 