WE LIVE IN TWO WORLDS

Read this powerful text from a member of Løvemammaene, which we have received permission to share with you.

Author: Lena Ronge

We live in two worlds.
In one world, friends' children have grown up. They have moved away from home, perhaps abroad. Some have girlfriends, some have had children. We have followed them since they were small, we have held them on our laps, given them speed on the swing, comforted them when they have had their first heartbreak. 

We parents are close friends, we meet for dinners, go for walks in the forest, we often talk about our children. About how proud we are, about how happy we are when they master life. How afraid we are in periods when they are struggling. Some of the children struggle to find a degree, some have a job they don't enjoy. Some struggle with anxiety, bad advice, love. 
We listen, nod, recognize each other.
Then we have a glass, think it will work out, toast to the future.
And then there is everyday life.
And electricity bill.
And far too much to do at work.

Then there is the other world. 
In the other world, we go to friends' children's funerals. We have followed our friends' children since they were small, we have held them on our laps, given them a swing, comforted them when they felt lonely. We parents are close friends, we meet, go for walks in the forest, we talk about our children. About how proud we are when they manage three more steps without help, when they sing a children's song in English. 

But mostly we talk about how scared we are. 

Some of the children have moved into their own home, they need help around the clock. Some are so lonely that they cry themselves to sleep. Some are no longer able to eat. 
We listen, nod, recognize each other.
Then we take a glass, allow ourselves to be drugged, do not think about the future. 
And then there is everyday life.
And a letter from NAV.
And rejection of applications. 

And then there is another funeral.
And one more.
And one more.