If a tree falls in a wood.....

So, I passed it by, an old, broken tree, in pieces after a storm. It showed signs of a tough life. I wonder how many storms and lightening strikes it had taken before the final blow.
It is often the cumulative, less often seen challenges that cause the damage which a much later event will trigger.
It is vital we look for the signs of wear, tensions, pressures, early on in those we love. They may have stood tall as trees in our family histories, but behind the  scenes they are as susceptable to trials and strains as the rest of us. Older people often suffer in silence.
We can offer a listening ear, a supporting hand, an open palm, supporting them in developing that resiliance we all need to deal with  life's storms