A special cousin, a good friend, and I have been having discussions on taking care of an aging parent. It can lead to bitterness, to love, to anger, to laughter. It can lead to role reversal, with the parent being more of a the child, and the child/caretaker being the parent. There are problems with siblings helping or not helping, or over who should be doing what. There are parents who are terrific patients and those who are terrible ones. My sweet relative reminded me how hard it is for the parent to realize a good, long life is about over. My friend said we won't regret all that we did when we could. Yes, those who help will not feel the guilt that others may feel. Though at times it seems we cannot possibly make it through the hard times, we must take a deep breath, feeling the strength and love of the Holy Spirit. It will help us get through all the trials, tribulations and love of another day. Our patience for the patient will remain, feeling God's unconditional love for both parent and child.
