DC Public Library System

As my parents age, reflections on life, love, and change, Cynthia Ruchti

eng

no index present

non fiction

As my parents age

962552771

Cynthia Ruchti

reflections on life, love, and change

When I notice the first signs -- When it all comes down to what matters most -- When they're miles and miles away -- When we mourn and embrace the role reversal -- When my children need me too -- When my parents won't accept help -- When I'm tempted to help too much -- When my siblings disagree on our parents' care -- When my parents won't have the hard conversations -- When they can't let old hurts go -- When all we can do is laugh -- When my parent is in denial -- When my parent's strongest gift is stubbornness -- When my parents make unwise decisions -- When my gratitude gets lost in life's wrinkles -- When I don't know what to pray -- When my parent's mind is gone -- When I think I can't make an impact -- When my parent loses who I am -- When they think life no longer has meaning -- When their aging changes me -- When it's just plain hard -- When I don't know what to say -- When time is all they want from me -- When guilt taints our relationship -- When my parents' needs cost me -- When I feel as if the battle is mine alone -- When I can't keep my promise to my parents -- When I don't recognize or like who my parent has become -- When I become the story-keeper -- When visiting deepens my pain...and my understanding -- When no one understands or knows how to help -- When my efforts seem so small -- When the end is too near -- When I'm already grieving -- When they die too young -- When my skills and love are no longer enough -- When the moment comes to say good-bye -- When I shift to life without my parents