Why it sucks to get old

My Father passed last month from bone cancer that came back fast and furious. He let me know it "was time" to come out and visit as soon as possible. I flew in that Thursday and as soon as I got there everything went downhill almost immediately. He was in agony and had to be moved constantly always searching for some relief. My Mother in Law and Sister were both exasperated and overwhelmed so I took the watch.

Four days later he passed while I was wiping his forehead with a cool rag. Those four days were the most emotionally and physically demanding in my life. They were also the most rewarding. He was my hero and best friend. The Master Chief that had all the answers and knew how to fix everything. It was the greatest honor to be there when he finally needed me instead of vice versa.

I think I had an easier situation than some of you because of the quick timeline and closure. I can only imagine watching a parent wither away over years or decades. You are true heroes for doing what you do.

We just moved in my mother in law with us and are renovating her house for her to sell. It is a big adjustment having another adult around full time (especially an old Filipina that nags about the kids) but it will work out. And when I get old and we need our kids they will hopefully step up. Not because of guilt or shame, but because they had an example to follow.