I have witnessed different ways people (husbands, mothers, friends, clients) handle the bad news that they have a terminal illness. Their responses varied significantly and made a noticeable difference in how this news affected the lives of those close to them. None of us can genuinely predict ahead of time how we might respond in […]
This is the column that almost did not happen. Sometimes, it is as though there’s too much happening in life, and there’s no headspace for writing. This week, that is what happened for both Mapi and me, where we both found ourselves overwhelmed by the very things we write about each week in Live By […]
Our choices about how, where, and with whom to spend our elderliness are not always straightforward—economics and relationships impact decision-making. My friend Fifi is trying to identify a carer for her mum, who lives in a rural village. If she were to want to bring her mom to live with her in Johannesburg, currently, there […]
As planned months ago, Mapi and I set off on the last of my 70th year’s travel adventures – Vietnam. Her partner and child carer stepped up to make this possible so the reunion on Valentine’s Day would be extra special. We began our travels so light-heartedly. We welcomed this short break after an exceptionally […]
There are countless jokes about the so-called “breadwinners” in our families—the aunties and uncles who hold the keys to the cooler fridge during family events or those commanding figures whose presence looms large in our lives. We often whisper about their exercise of power, aware that voicing our dissent too loudly could lead to dire […]
How often do we see the signs “In Case of Emergency.” They are in the corridors in the workplace near the fire extinguishers. There is a notice in every lift we step into. There are the signs in the aeroplane indicating the seats with the emergency exits. But what about carrying “in case of emergency” […]
This week, I am witness to a fallout between two friends whose relationship has spanned decades. They have shared their highs and lows, both personally and professionally. I had expected they would enjoy more time together in their elderliness. Indeed, it was not so many months ago that they discussed how their property investments and […]
While driving and listening to the radio, I heard the guest make a statement that he believed to be powerfully true for himself: “Comparison is the thief of joy.” I found myself thinking about this statement long after the journey was over. This aphorism, “Comparison is the thief of joy,” is attributed to Theodore Roosevelt, […]
The drive to the Tai Chi class earlier this week was a breeze. I sang “Schools out for summer!” joyously. What will the summer holidays hold for me this year-end? Driving home I listened to Clement Manyathela, last month’s Radio 702 award winner of the “Best Daytime Show.” Clement’s topic was about the gym and […]
A friend, Dineo, (not her real name) told me recently she was recovering from a stroke. A few days ago, my nephew postponed our dinner arrangement because his friend had had a stroke and the prognosis was not good. Indeed, the outcome was a funeral. Last Sunday, 24 November, controversial American preacher, TD Jakes had […]