Happily Enjoy A Little Role Reversal People !

We're so blessed in our old age of 74 to still have a parent with us that is 97.  We had a father die in the last few year's at the age of 97 and my Mother pass at 94 a few year's earlier.  Yes, we're living in an age where we "0ldies but Goodies" still have oldier and goodier ones with us.  My opinion is to let them keep their dignity and loosen up and learn to laugh with them when things get a little out of the ordinary.  Case in point, if they love their chocolate and it show's.. that's wonderful!  Step back and remember how many times they cleaned up our messes OF ALL KIND'S and did it with unconditional love several times a day on a daily basis for several years.  Then when we got older they still were there to clean up our messes, of a different kind, and help us work thru them still with that same unconditional love.  Our precious elder's don't look in the mirror several times a day, as we all do, and even if they did most can't see clearly.  We've seen many wonderful examples of our siblings, our children and our grandchildren showing love and real genuine concern for our parent's. Some take the time to devote one night a month to holding a family gathering with them.  Some, who come from out of town, make sure they get a good visit in with their Nonny and Poppy before heading back.  Some visit with letter's, pictures or books to read and share.  Some come and share their talents.  Some come to take them out for a drive.  Some come to take them to church. Some come to take them out to eat.  Some take them over their favorite desserts and do it often.  Some drop in just to stay awhile and visit.  Everybody that takes the time always come away feeling so much better about themselves than when they first arrived.  They can laugh with their "Nonny" and "Poppy" when called by a wrong name or given an (on the spot) nickname.  They don't make fun or belittle their Nonny and Poppy's action's that aren't perhaps what they are use to observing, they'd laugh or smile and find it endearing.  I say, let's lovingly enjoy a little role reversal in our lives for I KNOW we will miss it dearly when we no longer have the priviledge.  Until me meet again.  "Grammy" Shirlyn