I just got back from sitting with my Mom in the hospital while she got her last hip replaced just in time for retirement. Surgical waiting rooms can be funny places. I couldn’t help but think about all the years she invested in us kids, something none of us could ever pay back. At best, just pass on. It was nostalgic. My mind was filled with great memories, some regrets of my earlier choices, but most of all thankfulness for loving parents.
It’s hard to see your parents struggle with the struggles of getting older. The role reversals of children taking care of parents is hard for everyone. In nursing homes they say, “Once a man, twice a boy. Or. Once a woman, twice a girl.” A true statement, if you think about it. You come in this world having to be fed and your hiney wiped and usually go out the same way. Kind of degrading isn’t it? My hope is that I can give my Mom (and other aging friends) the respect they deserve, even though they are getting long in the tooth or in some cases short in the leg.
These folks saw the last of the great depression, probably remember getting electricity for the first time, their first television set, and the watching the first people land on the moon. Wow. I really believe if we all slow down or even stop for a minute and sat and listen to these folks we just might learn something useful.
Mom made it out of surgery just fine. I called my brother and told him she ought to be good for another 15-20 years. He just giggled and said, “Well Sis, I don’t know if that’s gonna be enough…she’ll probably out live both of us.”
Well, one can only hope. We could use a few more people like her in the world.
My prayer for my Mom and the rest of her cronies is the same. That the remainder of their life to be filled with health, family, and respect and the knowledge that they aren’t worthless but very valuable. They deserve only our best.
As they trade careers for rocking chairs let’s sit beside them and listen, closely for once. They have given us so much. The best thing we can give them is our most precious resource…our time.
Simply,
Sis
Tags: caring for aging parents, hip replacement, relationships, spending time with family
This is a very true post.
Bobbi–Isn’t it though? It’s hard for us to get back to see our parents as much as we should, so this was a personal conversation I was having with myself. (I just let you folks listen in.) Certinly not a finger pointing session.
Always wonderful to hear what’s on your mind. Blessings. Sis
I’m glad your Mom is doing great! She’s such a wonderful lady.
Your post is so true and so thoughtful.
I always thought that a preschool and an old folks home would make a wonderful combination. Each has so much to learn from each other and they would make wonderful daytime companions.
I love your post. I feel the same way.
Aunt Sissy–Thanks. I agree preschools and old folks homes should go hand in hand.
Valerie–So glad you stopped and put in your two cents worth. Thanks. I love to hear what’s on everyone’s mind.
Many Blessings.
Sis