From The Daily Dialogue
From The Daily Dialogue
Broadcast of 9/8/98
Subject: [DailyDialogue #250] Elder Dialogue
"For awhile it got so that I was afraid to let him go to town by himself, but he's been doing better lately."
(Mother in reference to Father's forgetfulness)
On this Labor Day weekend, Eddy and I have been spending time with our parents. All four, in their late 70's and early 80's, are living with their life-long mates. They seem to have become more interdependent in their elder years as forgetting and confusion are more or less a constant part of their daily lives. There is sweetness in their concern and loyalty for each other. I can't help but think that despite their various individual impairments, their partnerships have possibly never been better.
We are called to develop forbearance and patience in life. I've noticed my own tendency to get upset when Eddy has difficulty with directions and orientation. I'm also very self-critical when I forget something that I believe is important or catch myself in a thinking error.
Experiment: Dialogue with your partner about your thoughts and feelings about your aging and mental function.
Affirmation: Our capacity to encourage the patient inner watcher increases with age.
The Daily Dialogue is published each day of 1998 by e-mail. Copyright 1998, Eddy Brame and Marty Crouch, All rights reserved.
