As my parents age: 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 away

When we mourn end 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 I can't let old hurts go

When all we can do it 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 life 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 seems to small

When the end is 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 sift to life without my parents.