Expectations: In Recognition of the Sons and Daughters of the Old Folks

Expectations:

In Recognition of the Sons and Daughters of the Old Folks

You never expected to see the naked bodies

of your aging parents.

And, then, you find you not only see the old bodies,

you have to help clean and care for them.

And, sometimes, you have to carry them.

You leave your own family, work and lives

and sometimes come from other states to do this.

You take us to the urologist, dermatologist,

cardiologist and oncologists.

You take us multiple times to the Emergency Room

and many follow-up appointments.

You help interpret the results of blood tests, CT scans,

MRIs, and medical language and jargon.

You help us re-organize our lives after each health crisis,

sometimes subjugating your own health needs.

You buy groceries and prepare us special meals.

You help pay the bills.

You help us understand and use high-tech devices

low-tech to you.

You take unused or unnecessary items and recycle stuff to the dump,

clean out the garage, and make sure there is gas in the car.

You help us sort through the “things” of decades, diaries, family heirlooms,

book collections, yarn, fabric and craft collections.

You never expected to do these things.

Remember, we have not always been old, sick or unable.

And, you know. We didn’t expect you to do them either!

Gladys Considine, 2024