Weird Coincidences

I had coffee with my friend Chris today. We have much in common: she's a retired teacher, her daughter and David "grew up" together at Ascension, and we share all sorts of "musical" connections. The commonality that brings us together for coffee is, however, our mothers.

Jane and Mildred also have much in common: they were in church groups together, have similar backgrounds and families, and about 16 months ago ended up as roommates at Glenbrook Hospital! Both Jane and Mildred had pretty severe health crises at that time, both have had ups and downs during the past 16 months, both are now living in nursing home environments, and both are currently doing pretty well.

Chris and I started getting together last year to help each other cope with the various physical and emotional crises our mothers (and we) faced last year. We survived those crises and now mostly laugh about the coincidences that continue to occur.

The following are today's stories.

1. Chris told me that Jane called her, terribly worried about Chris' son-in-law after the tragic plane crash in Buffalo. Chris' daughter and son-in-law live in western Massachusetts. I then told Chris that Mildred had been very worried about David when the jet landed in the Hudson River. David was in D.C. at the time. Mother worry score: A. Geography score: F

2. Jane often feels that staff members are talking about her. Mildred often complains that the CNAs are talking about her when they speak Spanish in her presence. When I hear this, of course, I tell her that the CNAs are talking about their weekend plans. Eavesdropping Score: F

3. The staff at both nursing homes "steal" their clothing. Observation Score: B
Patience Score: D

Alice's and Chris' abilities to tell an original story: D-

Since my three "subscribers" to this blog are all younger relatives, I guess today's message is advice. Remember that whatever weird things your parents do or say when they get old are probably being done or said by everyone else' elderly parents. Then find a friend to have coffee with and share your stories. You'll feel much better for it.

Of course, you may already be telling your friends about your weird parents...and we're not even old yet :-)