Ange wrote a post called Go! Tell Me Something About Your Dad” and expanded on it with Speak Now Before It Is Too Late.
My Dad was my hero, and was the sort of person who could do anything. A hard worker, and a keen gardener, he was always there for his family.
After my Mum died, we became a lot closer, and would spend hours in front of the fire talking, or maybe work in the garden together. I really enjoyed just hanging out with him!
As Ange says, communication is important.
I made a point of talking about all the dumb things that I had ever done, and apologising for them.
Mum died a few years before Dad, and I made sure that I spent as much time as I could with her too.
The most important things that I remember about my folks were that they were always there for me, and they were always together.
If there was one piece of advice I could give anyone in regard to family relationships, it is this:
Communicate now! We’re only promised today!
So often as we are busy raising our own kids, our parents can get pushed back to the status of baby sitters and helpers in emergencies.
Taking time to just hang out with them is vital for a number of reasons, not the least because it helps give them a sense of purpose and acceptance.
Western society takes a lot for granted, but the wisdom of the aged is something to be valued, and cherished, because though technology and fashion change constantly, human nature doesn’t!
There are things that we can learn from the older generation that take a lifetime to learn. If we don’t take the time to listen and learn, we, our family, and society in general are poorer for it!
Our own kids are watching us all the same time, and learning how to relate to their parents in their later years by following our example. Food for thought?
Have a great weekend!
