Ten days shy of the second anniversary of my mother’s death, I’m sharing something controversial here — Sandra Tsing Loh‘s recent polemic in the Atlantic about caring for her aging father.
Even if you think Sandra Tsing Loh’s piece is over-the-top, that she’s self-obsessed and could use another 1,000 hours of therapy, there’s no denying the power of her emotions.
I’ve written about my own life-changing experiences with eldercare and about Jane Gross’s important book, A Bittersweet Season: Caring for Our Aging Parents and Ourselves.
It’s a powerful subject and one that I’m glad is getting more attention. When you are in the throes of it, caring for your aging parents, while also working, caring for your kids, your partner and yourself can be lonely, overwhelming and feel hopeless. It helps when others share their stories and, like Jane Gross, use what we learn from each other to effect change.
Read this and weep: Daddy Issues
I miss you, Mom (the original turkey-maker).
Related articles
- The Bitch Is Back – The Atlantic (sliceofmidlife.com)
- Jane Gross on NPR’s Tell Me More (asourparentsage.net)
Slice of Midlife 
I love that picture of your Mom and I still miss her. I have so much to tell her – I hope she is listening!
Alice
I went right to the NPR program, which I found both uplifting and comforting. I just sent it to my siblings, and my mom’s siblings, (she’ll be 90 in July). My in-laws are 94. They are all 3 constantly on our minds. Thank you. This was a big help.
I am so glad this was helpful. I used to read Jane Gross’ blog (she started the NY Times blog The New Old Age) in the middle of the night when I was in the depths of despair. It saved me.