Our Parents Are Getting Older

I can still remember my father teaching me to ride my bike, my mother sliding us over the dining room table to make it shine and the two of them dancing in the livingroom while my dad sand Perry Como at the top of his lungs.

That was over 30 years ago. I can still see them in mind both with brown hair, both without glasses and both very active. The years go by and, as you know, their hair gets a little grayer, their height gets a little shorter and they can't do as much as they used to. That's when it's time to step up.

My parents, Ray and Mary, are incredible people. They raised 9 children, 8 girls and 1 boy, on the wages of a warehouse worker and a cleaning woman. I can never remember being hungry or feeling poor even though we were. My parents always found a way to stretch a nickel into a dollar. We never went anywhere but they always managed to play with us.

As I visit with them now with Anderson, I see their faces light up when they see him. He loves his Papa and Grammy!  He always asks politely for a chocolate chip cookie from my mom. Of course, she gives it to him. After all, she does make the best chocolate chip cookies in the world.

They took care of me for the last 38 years. Now it's time for me to help them. I realize I'm busy but I need to make that time. We never know how much time left we have with our parents. So, a-cleaning I will go! It's the least I can do to help the people have helped me. It's simple to do. I told them to make me a list and every couple of days I can visit and do the things that they really want to but can't anymore.

This November, I'm thankful for two people who continue to love and support me in whatever I do. Each holiday I count my blessings they are still around and are able to see Anderson grow. Mom and Dad, I love you and the things I do for you in no way add up to what you have done for me.