I’ve been slowly becoming an orphan these last fourteen years. I suppose most of us could say that — aren’t so many of us on that journey?
For me, it’s been a little more “in my face” than I expected. My father had a stroke in early 2010, one that left him partially paralyzed. During his excruciatingly slow decline, our roles have reversed. I’ve become his caregiver.
And though my mother is still alive and somewhat kicking, she has also struggled with her health that has led to a bit of a mental and emotional retreat. Though she still tries her best, I haven’t felt like I could rely on her for many years now.