Aging parents…yeah I have those too

A topic near and dear to my heart revolves around…my parents.   I am blessed as both my parents are still alive, feisty, and totally independent.  They each own their own homes and drive.  Both worked until into their 70’s…really inspirational.   They divorced when I was in college.  Though the road has been rocky, we have super relationships now.  As I have been spending more and more time with them these last few years,  some random thoughts have popped into my mind.  A few points I need to remember!

1. Enjoy every moment:  Tomorrow isn’t promised. I am fortunate that my parents both can visit for extended amounts of time throughout the year.  For my kids,  it is an amazing opportunity to really spend time with them….living with someone gives so many more insights than just visiting. I love watching the relationships grow and I love seeing memories made.   I know I often get wrapped up in my own life. Working, responsibilities, my kids and husband all take up time.  I try to at least text my mom daily and probably call about 4 times a week.  With my dad, I call about one time a week.  Could I do more?
2. Enjoy their stories: There are always the stories that have been told over and over.  There are always the ones that I wish they would forget.  However, I love listening to stories.  I love hearing the excitement as well as their prospective.  Oral history is a dying art.  Often times now, the latest technology takes over and there is little time just to talk and share stories. It is a way to get information that no one has written down and will most likely be forgotten. Before my grandparents passed away, I video taped them as we were looking a pictures.  I loved their stories and wanted to capture them to have forever.  Now, at our family reunions, I will often bring out the slide projector and pop up some old slides…and the stories start flowing.
3. Learn traditions:  Most of the traditions I have learned revolve around food.  My mom makes the best potpie noodles, mashed potatoes, and roast beef.  My dad makes the best chocolate Easter eggs.  Both recipes passed down from generations before.
4. Help them when possible…without overstepping and becoming overprotective.
5. Don’t skip a chance to say “I love you!”
6. Be patient
7. Learn to listen
8. Keep them striving for independence

And above all….Cherish.Every.Moment

Hugs mom and dad!

(Confession:  I will probably catch hell for two things…using this picture and using the words “aging parents”)