Caring for Parents

I’ve always thought my parents looked young.  In my mind they looked the same to me now as they did when I was a kid. That all changed significantly for me last week. It only takes one serious illness to make you realize that life has been preparing you for a role reversal you weren’t expecting.

I happen to live about 10 minutes away from my parents. One of the reasons we chose our community as our home is because my parents live here and we’re a pretty tight family. We also chose to be near to them because, well, they have always been willing and able babysitters! They take my kids to music lessons, pick them up from soccer games and take them to doctor’s appointments during those times when my husband and I are unable. Sometimes I think my kids are closer to my parents than they are to us because of the tenderness, patience and consideration they show their grandparents at all times (I’m not even that consistent!).

Three years ago a serious illness escalated for my Mom and then a few months ago my Dad was diagnosed with early stage prostate cancer. He underwent treatment this week and we are praying for a speedy recovery.

All of a sudden, as I look at the still cheerful but tired eyes of my mom, I realize that I have “aging parents” who need my help. They have a home to care for, a garden to maintain, and cars to fix and they have ALWAYS been very independent when it comes to their own personal and household care.

I’m so glad that after all their years of support to me and my family that I am able to give them some support and assistance. At the same time I feel a little sad that their lives are changing…I know time doesn’t stand still but it is hard for me to accept that my active Mom and Dad are not as strong as they once were.

I’m not sad for me but for them. My parents on the other hand, look as happy as can be. They are thrilled that I am over with the kids more than I have ever been in recent years. They enjoy the constant chit chat and bickering from my teens and love to hear about my work, home improvement and business plans.

I guess one of the best gifts we can give to our mothers and fathers is to keep them involved in our lives whether it is through a long distance phone call or by choosing to live close by. It is truly “the little things in life that mean the most” and that phrase is meaning more to me each day.

Tags: Family Life, aging parents, community life, family life