But once parents become ill and need our help, suddenly we assume the role of the grown-up, and they become a little like our children—a role reversal that is unsettling all around. ~ Richmond, L. . Aging as a Spiritual Practice (p. 26). Penguin Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

Fathers’ Day was interesting.
I remember home…the one in Lubbock
then two in Quanah, a temporary rental
and the permanent home,
plans  from Daddy’s draft-board
then polished my an architect,
growing up there Daddy’s little boy
of the four girls.
now Daddy’s boy could not open the door
for older son and grandson.
It opens easily now since Sam’s grandson
took over the role. (That spelling
changed from roll to role
from Mother’s input!)
But the kid who followed Daddy around
and once played the fix-it role around this house
yielded to to eleven-year-olds
who could do things beyond me
and moved fast enough to startle a dog
accustomed to old-folk married
forty-eight years now.
Once parents become ill and need our help,
suddenly we assume the role of the grown-up,
and they become a little like our children—
a role reversal that is unsettling all around.