I spent the past week wishing that I had a magical human cloning machine. They’ve done it for sheep don’t ya know. Yes, world, I wanted two or three of me walking around on this planet. Why? Cause one just wasn’t nearly enough.
I spent the week juggling work and spending time at the hospital with my Dad.
Waiting in rooms…
…sporting the ever-so-fashionable “Cancer Sucks” Bondi Band
Reading signs…
Staring at doors waiting for doctors to appear.…
And acting like a comfortable visitor…
Learning the news that a parent is sick is not easy. I know. The role of parent/child gets turned on its head faster than you can say Jack Robinson, and you’re suddenly in the role of caregiver and supporter.
Being there for a parent when they really need you is something that lots of children experience in their lifetime. When and if this time will ever come for you…who knows. It hit me before 40, but it’s hitting my brother at 27. That’s young in my book. Others don’t confront this situation until their 60s or later, and some never will.
My parents played a big part in shaping who I am today. They influenced the development of my BACKBONE and helped establish my morals and values. I also have Dad’s ridiculous sense of humor and Mom’s cautionary approach to trying new things. Plus, probably tons of other quirks that I either credit to them or curse them for passing on through their stupid genetic merge.
Caring for a parent (when you are so used to them being there for you instead), is a major wake up call to the precious thing called life. A big alarm bell goes off reminding you to make every day count. Beep, Beep, Beep… Only this time, you can’t hit the snooze.
Did your parents play a large role in shaping who you are as person? If you weren’t raised by your biological parents, who most influenced your life?
The Chameleon's Backbone 
Posted by Scargosun on August 27, 2010 at 3:03 pm
My parents definitely had a hand in shaping who I am if not directly, indirectly. Does that make sense? They might have opposite opinions than me but they were the ones who taught me I could think for myself in the first place. 🙂 Over the years, even though my Dad is gone (cancer, 2003), I have been taking on more of his tendencies for good or bad so they must have always been in there somewhere.
Posted by Laura on September 2, 2010 at 1:01 am
I lost my Dad to colon cancer about 2 1/2 years ago. Though Dad’s journey ended very quickly (2 months after being diagnosed) I have found myself in the role reversal with my Mother now. They had the relationship where he did everything. Bills, insurance, life insurance, etc. She was clueless on even being worried she would call the wrong handyman to fix the mower.
Though she is better I have felt like I’ve been helping her into adulthood.
You will be in my thoughts and prayers as you and your family go through this.
Posted by Tracy on September 2, 2010 at 1:26 am
Thanks Laura. It’s been difficult with them both being sick at the same time, but we’re getting through it the best we can. Take care yourself. I’m sure your mom appreciates all you do for her.