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Cancer and Aging Strengthened My Relationship with Mom
We used similar approaches to combat our challenges
My Mom is 83 years old.
A few years ago, I could tell her mental acuity and energy levels were beginning to wane. Perhaps not surprising, but I decided we needed to stop the degeneration while we could.
I started to play cards with her in the evening after dinner most nights.
When my father was alive, they’d do that every night. His father and mother had done that as well, so it’s a family tradition. I also started to ask her to share stories more often. This gave me lovely insights into my family history, and I wished I had done this sooner, when my father was still alive.
Then in 2021, I was diagnosed with brain cancer. I was given 6 months to live. I was told the last few weeks I’d need hospice care.
I was forced to regroup.
Instead of taking care of my Mom, I would need a lot more help from her.
I felt guilty asking her, but she came through like a trooper.
