That poem does hit close to home, my husband is 72 and I'm getting up there and we find our Son and our daughter-in-law becoming Mom and Dad. We love our independence, but at times we do need help. This summer our Grandson cut our grass and painted our porch.
Our daughter-in-law is always asking what she can do, Our son does all the handyjobs we need done around the house. During vacations they want us to go and we say no, you all go the three of you and our Grandson will say Nanna it's no fun unless you and Poppa go (and he is 17) The five of us go out to dinner every Friday night. They have been a Godsend to us and our best friends.
On the other hand we are still Mom and Dad, when a big decision comes up they always come over and discuss it with us, what do we think? When our Grandson has a problem he will always talk to us about it before he tells his Mom and Dad. And maybe the last but not least there is always Mom's cooking
even if your wife is a Gourmet cook, your Mom's cooking is always the best, at least that's what our son says. Our roles are reversed to a certain degree, but in the process not only do we know how much we love each other, but we found new best friends.
No matter how old your mother or father is there is nothing like a hug from them to make you feel like a kid again.
Pam it is hard I know, I took care of my father until he passed away, frustrating at times, but worth it in the end.
Bea, just greet each morning with a smile and be glad that you can give your Mom a hug and tell her you love her.
Jackie

[ July 26, 2001: Message edited by: jackiesdaisy1935 ]