Becci Bookner

Though my mother lives in another state, she does visit a few times a year. She likes to travel “off season” because she gets a better deal, but this last time, my older brother drove her down from Pennsylvania.

It was during this visit that my sister brought something to my attention. My mother was resting while we “kids” were on my back porch enjoying the weather, when she mentioned what was on her mind, “You know, this is the first time I’ve seen mom’s age.”

Taken aback a bit by her solemn tone, I replied, “What do you mean? She’s not that old.” Then my brother added, “Well she is going to be 70 in a couple of months and it seems like she’s kind of slowing down.”

Our conversation was interrupted by an enthusiastic bubble attack perpetrated by my 3 1/2 year old daughter, but later that evening, I found myself watching my mother very closely.

Up until that point, I hadn’t really thought about my mother getting older. She’s active, works 40 hours a week at a law firm, and, well,  just doesn’t seem that old to me.

Maybe I’ve been in denial because I’m an “older” mom and my daughter won’t allow my energy to lag one bit. After this most recent visit, however, reality struck home on a number of levels.

When my daughter turns 10, my mother will be almost 80. And, it’s not unrealistic for me to think that I will be caring for both of them. This notion was further amplified by reading this blog post on Psychology Today by health writer and licensed social worker, Meredith Resnick. Rest assured I will be visiting Ms. Resnick’s More Than Caregiving blog regularly as I step into this phase of my (and my mother’s) life.

Though I’m unsure of the road ahead, I will say that life never ceases to surprise me. Take my connection with Becci and Family Staffing Solutions, and the opportunity to share my thoughts and experiences with you. I feel very grateful to have these relationships and resources enter into my life just when I’ve begun to need them.

What about you: Have you found yourself on a similar journey as me? I’d love to know that I have a few friends along the way.

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