Elusive Moments of Grace ,Beauty, and Loneliness

Thirty years ago, communism ended. After years of living in a state of control, many people, young and old, especially the educated who were greatly persecuted, fled their countries to start a new life of freedom. New governments took over, but life has remained difficult for many elderly in Romania and Bulgaria. They are living in rural communities on old collective farms. They receive low pensions that hardly cover their daily food. They are living in old houses and apartments in small villages, far from family and friends. Days are spent foraging in the forest for wild mushrooms and berries, corn for their animals and collecting firewood for cooking and warmth. Families visit rarely. Neighbors help when they can. These people are spending their last years enduring poverty, isolation, and loneliness! Similar to what our elderly are going through due to the global pandemic. Few of us are prepared for the complexities of managing the last years of our lives. As we live longer, we all will be facing challenges.