[mitchntx]

... makes raising children such a chore sometimes.

It's to prepare you for when your parents are close to reaching the end of their life.

Many of you know, I lost my Dad to cancer several years ago. And it now appears my Mom is beginning to wind down her life as well. It's OK as I have taken numerous oppurtunities to talk candidly about her death, her wishes and her fears. Likewise, I have done the same with her ... no regrets.

When they are in terrible pain, depressed and refusing treatment, food, water, medication ... it's hard to undertand the bull-headedness.

Yesterday afternoon she pitched a fit any 5 year old would envy. My wife called me, in tears, explaining what was going on. By the time I got the car loaded, the truck packed and got to the rehab hospital, Mom was all smiles and everything was once again wonderful.

Reminded me so much of how my daughters acted at times when they didn't get their way or didn't like the reasoning I gave them for why I said no.

It was at that point in time I understood why God made rasing kids difficult at times ... taking care of parents is much more difficult ...

Use your time with your folks wisely ...

/vent