"Since he had two strokes, I've experienced a complete role reversal with my father. I visit him multiple times a week, but he still tells people he gets lonely. My father always put his family first. I'm happy I can show up for him and give back now. Then my dad needed to stop at the ATM, and the person in front of us must have been applying for a mortgage based on how long they took."
"Each week I'm at his house on Monday to take out trash, clean the pool skimmers, add chlorine, and get his mail. On Wednesday I handle pool maintenance again. On Saturday we always get an éclair from our local Pennsylvania Dutch Farmers Market and go grocery shopping. Sometimes we sit in his living room and chat afterward, or sit on the deck soaking up sun. Beyond those errands, I also take him to doctor's appointments and pick up his prescriptions."
Two strokes left the father dependent, prompting his adult child to visit multiple times weekly and assume numerous tasks. The caregiver handles trash, pool maintenance, chlorine, mail, grocery shopping, doctor's appointments, and prescriptions, and keeps weekly rituals like buying an éclair. The father, formerly authoritative as an assistant principal, now must accept instructions about safety: don't get in the pool alone, don't drive, and avoid basement stairs. The role reversal produces impatience and emotional strain during delays, but gratitude remains for the opportunity to give back to a parent who prioritized family.
Read at Business Insider
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