My dad's one of four Turner boys, born and reared in the Mississippi Delta. This morning, around 4:30 AM, he became an only child due to his youngest brother, Ted, dying. His older two brothers died in years past, and as such, neither of those two were close to him. It's important to note that my father is in his late 60s, and in perfect health, therefore he's physically well positioned to live decades longer.
I can tell you now that the loneliness he's about to be faced with has the potential to shorten his life span tremendously. And this is due to the fact that the loneliness will more than likely seed depression.
A massive portion of my father's identity has always been tied to his "rank" (as boy #3) within that troupe of Turner men. And that "rank" had the most relevancy in relation to his youngest brother, Ted. I've actually never witnessed anything like it. He served as Ted's "big brother". And he had done so throughout his life. This was a tenured position that no one could touch. Except death, of course.
My father's penchant for nostalgia is unparalleled. This may also play into his despair. Especially whilst traveling through the Mississippi Delta town of Belzoni where he (& my mom) grew up (& adjacent to where my uncle Ted resided).
Today marks the beginning of the remainder of my father's life. My heart aches for him relative to facing his future as an only child.
No comments:
Post a Comment