Growing Old with Grace and Humor

My parents are in their nineties. My dad’s growing old with grace, my mom with humor. I can only hope that if I live to be their age, I’ll master at least one of the two.

When I call my dad, he’ll tell me how blessed he feels to be alive and to have kids, grandkids, and great grandkids, all of whom he loves so dearly. He names us one by one. My mom is almost always ready to laugh at herself even when she does the most outrageous things.

Recently we were trying to help them identify themselves with the Social Security folks in order to complete their income tax return, after they had lost their 1099s. We had to log in, go through a string of identification steps, and wait for a phone call.

It came at last. After a series of questions repeated a few times due to hearing issues, the caller at the other end asked my mother, “Did anyone text or email you to tell you to do this?”

“What?” she said.

He repeated the question.

“No!” she exclaimed. “Everyone I know is dead!”

The caller laughed, my husband and I laughed, and my mother laughed. Ah, the fun memories, the fun times…amidst the dark.

One day she tells me, “You and I are getting a little sag under here.” She pats her chin. Another day she says, “I think you and I look pretty good for our age.”

Does she think we’re the same age, I wonder. She’s wearing her teeth on this day at least.

I’m working on a trilogy about my parents, grandparents, and myself. I hope to publish it soon.

In The Past Ever Present, my father recalls his childhood. Although he grew up during the Great Depression and his family was far from wealthy, his memories radiate joy. When I talk to him these days, he says, “Enjoy life while you’re young.”
https://www.amazon.com/Past-Present-Debra-Coleman-Jeter/dp/1425745555
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Audio books: https://www.audible.com/author/Debra-Coleman-Jeter/B00UDTPPC6