Great age is no bar to the greatest sorrow

Emma Morano died last weekend at the age of 117, making Violet Brown, also 117, now the oldest person in the world. But instead of being able to celebrate her achievement, Violet faced at once into sorrow.

Only four days later, her son died, at the age of 97, in the home they shared in Jamaica. This made clear in an instant the misfortune that great age can bring. A mother, even a 117-year-old mother, must always hope her children will outlive her.