Yellow Cake and Fresh Oranges!

It's been said that as your parents age the roles between them and their children change. The children start behaving like the parents and the parents start behaving like the children. Suddenly you find yourself speaking differently to them because maybe their hearing has changed or their eyesight is faltering. At times you have to speak more slowly in order for them to understand what you are telling them. Telling them a story might take a little longer because of all the interruptions and all the questions they ask. It actually gets to be quite comical when you consider it's your parents you are dealing with. The ones that raised you and were the pillars of strength; the ones you always looked up to, were now looking up to you!

My parents are in their late 80's and I can honestly say that I am truly enjoying them more now than ever. Keeping in mind that the parent/child relationship while I was growing up, was absolutely awful and memories and my past will remain as such as I have no desire to rehash them. All of the forgiving has taken place and besides with my parents being in their 80's, they really don't remember too much so what's the point. They are very different now from the way they used to be. Now, when I stop by to visit them, they are like little kids because I hardly ever visit them empty-handed. For instance, mom loves to play scratch off lottery tickets. So I buy some for her and surprise her. Or maybe I stop by the grocery store and call her to ask her if she wants or needs anything. Due to their age, getting out and about is very difficult.

My focus is to bring them "goodies" they would not otherwise purchase for themselves. They live on a fixed income and mom tends to be very frugal. What's funny is that when I stop by, dad is usually in the bedroom and comes right out to see what I brought for him. He has quite a "sweet-tooth" and although he has to watch it due to his health, that doesn't stop him for craving cake, cookies and fruit. My philosophy is that at age 89 he should be able to eat whatever he wants within reason. This week I decided to make them a plain yellow cake and I also had these gigantic oranges the size of grapefruit that I knew they'd love. My dad is always amazed at my timing. Mom has just fixed him a cup of coffee and here I had cake for him. He says that I have ESP which I do because I always seem to know when he has a taste for a treat.

And just like two little kids they starting arguing about how many oranges each would get. And by the way, as I was leaving my dad said that he's been having a craving for coconut cookies. So guess what I'll be taking them on my next visit!