Episode 15: Generational intimacy, when mothers become orphans, and “No one ever asks.” Gemma’s Story.

This episode was recorded as part of a series for my End of Life class in my Masters in Social Work program.

My conversation with Gemma was filled with gentleness, quiet pauses, and immense thoughtfulness. As I say in the interview, it was such an honor to be trusted with such profound feelings. I am blown away by the level of caring, compassion, and consideration she embodies in talking about her family.

Our discussion dives into portraits and vignettes of daily life in a tightly woven and intergenerational family, painting scenes for us of what it looks and feels like for mothers and daughters and aunties and uncles to provide a great deal of support and love for one another. She also hits upon one of the foundational ideas of this project, which is that “no one ever asks” about our feelings around loss or grief, especially for losses that are perceived as in the past, insignificant, or uncommon; and the importance of having moments to express our thoughts and feelings about those experiences.

Gemma’s Grandmother, Maria A. Gonzales

Piano music by Jeff Buckingham

Interlude from Free Music Archive: Afternoons, By Chad Crouch