The model for this painting? 5 sand dollars on a purple cloth…
Mother has some major preoccupations – with two questions that she asks me over and over and over.
What do I think Seattle will be like in 50 (or 55 or 250 or 500) years?
Do I think that women will begin wearing skirts again instead of pants?
I always answer by taking the question seriously and trying to come up with interesting answers.
This week I tried something new. I turned the table and asked her the questions.
“What do you think Seattle will be like in 50 years?” I ask
“Well, I won’t be here,” she laughs.
“I wonder what it will be like,” I persist
Now she’s interested.
“Well, I think women will be wearing skirts again. “
“I don’t think there will be any room – the streets will be full with people everywhere.”
“My grandmother would be so amazed.”
“Do you think we will still drive cars?” I ask.
“There won’t be room. Maybe we will all fly.”
“Things change. That is just what happens – there is nothing you can do to stop it.”
And then – out of the blue…
“I want to live to be 100.”
I always tell her I want her to live to 100, but this is the first time she has ever expressed that desire herself.
Mom’s family tends to be very long-lived. Since the 1850’s, a surprising number have lived into their mid to late 90’s – announcing when they will die and, right on schedule, doing so.
I’ve always thought that Mom would reach 100 by forgetting to tell herself to die.
But – just perhaps – she will tell herself to keep living.
Hope so.
