kids of aging parents

2009-04-28T07:24:00.000-07:00

While staring into the sky listening for answers to questions like "how many times a day do I really have to talk to my Mother" (without feeling guilty that it wasn't enough), I heard the agitated whispers from around the world, of daughters and sons... just like me.

Looming Flu Scare Adding to Elder Fears

2009-04-27T06:32:00.000-07:00

As if we, and our aging parents don't have enough to worry about.

Seniors make a point of being up on the news. With the financial climate the way it is, many of them worry about having enough money to be looked after should they get ill, or find themselves alone as they get older.

This flu pandemic scare, has now made them even more frightened as to their financial condition, and being able to receive proper medical care. Now, concerns about going to the Hospital cause them more grief. They are afraid to be around flu symptoms, and, will they get sick by just sitting in their Dr's office waiting for a routine checkup, or renewal of an Rx?

We may have to check in on them a little more often. It may not be possible to physically be there for them as often as they would like, but, the daily phone call to be sure they have enough food, and possibly asking their Drs. to renew Rx. over the phone, might help cut down on seniors Hospital and Dr.visits.

2009-04-26T20:23:00.000-07:00

Then there is sibling stuff, rivalry, arguments, that cause more grief for you, them, and parents on both sides.
I share stories with friends, where they tell me that because of parental intervention, they are no longer on speaking terms.

2009-04-26T09:49:00.000-07:00

Watching "October Sky". It's a beautiful, moving story.

Watching it makes me think about my own life, my relationship with my children, and, my parents relationship to me.

I learn from movies like this. How do I want to be looked at by children, and now, how I'm looked at by my own parents.

2009-04-25T21:24:00.000-07:00

I was doing Massage for a fund raising charity event for Alzheimer's today. Major "cyclonic type " winds and storm hit the city.
I, along with many other mothers, wives, paused to call and check that everyone was safe and accounted for. Then, I, unlike many others at the event, could not relax until I also knew where my parents were, and if they were alright.

I tracked them down at home, and when I heard all was well, excused myself to get back to work, and was curtly reminded I haven't been to visit for a few days.

I am in the quiet eye if the storm, where each step or decision, could send me reeling. A shaky place to start a well deserved weekend from.

Express Your Feelings

2009-04-23T07:35:00.000-07:00

As economic struggles continue, we will all be more needy, and requiring much healing. We will be turning to each other for emotional, hands-on support, and appreciation... spreading ourselves even thinner.

As kids of aging parents, we need outlets of our own, to share, receive, and give advice to each other, where we are not judged as to our feelings, or decisions. A safe place, where, expressing a thought or episode, to help our healing process, and others, is what I hope kids of aging parents can be.

And.. We're Aging Kids!

2009-04-21T16:31:00.000-07:00

In the midst of recognizing that habits of calling, visiting, and being available for parents, now has to be a conscious reality, I realize my pace has somewhat slowed too.

For the past few years I have coined the phrase "making my world smaller".

Subconsciously, I was making room for, yet another daily ritual.

2009-04-21T13:04:00.000-07:00

From colleagues at work, to the stranger in front of me in line at the checkout.
You know, the one with 2 separate food orders, on the phone with a child of their own, explaining their arrival plans depend on how quickly they can get these groceries dropped of to Grandmother, and, how fast they can be on their way after said delivery.

She needs to get home, make dinner, and tend to her family affairs.

We who do this, are eager to share, unload, and receive that "pat on the back" and, all-knowing nod from a fellow donor.