Member-only story
The Kind of Loneliness No One Talks About
I found myself lonely and alone this weekend — and sad. Very sad.
I can remember how happy my Nonna was when I went to visit her, but unfortunately, her joy never lasted too long. She’d then go into some guilt-tripping convo about how no one visits her and she’s lonely. I never understood. How can she be lonely? She has lots of family and good neighbours around.
But she’d sit alone in her house waiting for people to come see her.
Nonna had limited mobility and couldn’t speak English. She was at the mercy of friends and family to take her places, visit her, etc.
Her story isn’t unique.
There are thousands of Nonnas around the world, alone and lonely, waiting for someone to knock on the door and spend some time with them.
Here’s my story
I went to a low-cost vaccination clinic this weekend. I knew everyone there (all the other volunteers). We do clinics twice a month. I’m ‘friends’ with 2 of the women.
One of my friends was asking another volunteer about the party she was having this weekend, and was wondering if she had to dress up.
“Oh”, I said to Sally, “you’re having a party and didn’t invite me”?
