There are too many topics regarding growing old to discuss.  A facebook friend posted the above photo and caption this morning which gave me focus for writing today. I could spend pages upon pages telling you all the details of caring for my mother and the fallout that follows, but today is just about RESPECT.  My family unit will often start  singing the Aretha song…”R-E-S-P-E-C-T find out what it means to me…”While Aretha is singing to her man, we can also listen as if our elderly parents are singing to us.  It’s not about money or material things anymore. It’s about the basics–being warm, not falling(safety), continence, food, and companionship.
I find myself getting frustrated at the incessant repetition of questions. “Where is Rite-Aid? Now, what is the store that closed? Is Robert at the farm? Are the kids at the beach?” Â Same stuff, same answers over and over! I re-orient mama to the day, time and schedule of what is happening almost every 15 minutes. I am finding myself biting my tongue at times so as not to say, “I just told you that” or “You just asked me that!”. RESPECT.
Oh, a little respect
Yeah, baby, I want a little respect
Now, I get tired, but I keep on tryin’
Runnin’ out of foolin’, I ain’t lyin’
Yes, respect, all I need is respect
Read more:Â ARETHA FRANKLIN – RESPECT LYRICSÂ http://www.metrolyrics.com/respect-lyrics-aretha-franklin.html#ixzz20VstBHaA
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So, we will carry on with today.
See you .
ML
That is truly one of the biggest challenges in dealing with our older loved ones. My mother-in-law was here over Christmas last year and we found that same scenario. I guess my catch phrase is “we are ALL getting older!” Love to Mimi.