For all these many years I have enjoyed having both my parents around, and in reasonably good health. My dad turned 90 this year, and my mother 88. So the years are finally catching up to them. Both have been quite active until recently. My mom would go on hikes up hills with us well into her 80’s.
So it is a bit sad to see them slow down. My dad is plagued with a bad back, which necessitates using a walker and disrupts his sleep and activities. My mom fell and broke her hip a few months ago, and is still rebounding from that. Both remain mentally acute, which is great. (Reference my post from yesterday about my dad’s memory.)
I went down to California in September for a week to visit with them and help around the house. I was wall to wall busy the whole time but got a lot of satisfaction completing some chores and projects while there. On my first day there we made a trip to the March Air Base commissary. We weren’t sure how my mother would be able to get around but we got her into an electric scooter, and she and dad drove all around the store in them.
Aren’t they a good looking pair? The store has wide aisles, and many patrons are elderly, so scooters there are routine.
I was unsuccessful convincing them to upgrade their TV to a high definition wide screen. I know it would increase their viewing pleasure, but they are quite content with their ways and current standard of living. I give them a lot of credit for that, even though it is frustrating to me, as I want to help them and they do have enough resources to upgrade some things around the house. I’ll try again next time I visit.
Meanwhile, I count my blessings for having such great parents, and having them around!
Love that photograph!