Mom and Grandpa in the 70’s
(Pre-Donna Days)

When I close my eyes and think of my parents, my mind’s eye envisions them when gray hair had not yet encroached upon their heads, wrinkles were few, and bodies were strong.

Mom will be turning 78 in less than a week and Dad is 74.

Dad in the 70’s

Aging is such a difficult subject, especially when it comes to your own parents.  Dealing with it as an only child can be overwhelming, as I shoulder the cares and concerns mostly by myself.  I am grateful for Hubby’s ever-present help and comfort, but sometimes wish I had a sibling to share in the responsibility of caring for my parents as they age.

I believe it’s because my heart has not allowed my parents to age past their prime as I knew them as a child, I sometimes expect too much of them on a physical or emotional level.  When I find myself getting impatient or aggravated, I have to remind myself that they aren’t in their 40’s anymore.  Heck, I’m pushing 40.  Who are we kidding here?

Mom (Baba), Dad (Jiji), & Baby Champuru in 2009

To their credit, Mom and Dad are doing well, having lived through some pretty rough times in the past.  I am grateful that they are here to see Baby Champuru, their first and only grandchild.  I have very few memories of my grandparents, since all but my paternal grandmother passed away when I was very young.  I pray that my parents will be healthy for many more years to come so that Baby Champuru will be able to grow up with fond memories of them that she can cherish for a lifetime.