As my parents age : reflections on life, love, and change by Ruchti, Cynthia, author instant download

As my parents age : reflections on life, love, and change by Ruchti, Cynthia, author instant download

285 pages ; 18 cm, For most of us, it is not the \"ifs\" but the \"whens\": when I notice the first signs; when we mourn the role reversal; when my children need me too; or when I don't know how to pray. Those are just a few of the fifty-two reflections on the changes, challenges, and blessings of loving your parent as they grow older. Their lives -- and yours -- begin to change. Knowing that you are not alone, that others have been where you are, is encouraging and uplifting. This is not a how-to, but a me-too, as you see yourself and your own situation lived out in the stories of others, 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…