I feel the need to post something that is near and dear to my heart. It may be a story from my own life… it might not be. Let’s just begin by saying I don’t really want to piss anyone off… oh, what the hell, I don’t care, she’s burned that bridge.

We go to my husband’s parent’s condo for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and rotate Thanksgiving and Christmas between his parents and mine. We do this every year. So… that is really the only time we see my brother’s sibling. I say sibling… he actaully has three of them but only one shows up…. ever… but I digress. Sadly, this is the only time my husband’s parents see said sibling as well, unless of course they are in the hospital, then it is an hour visit and see ya later.

My husband’s parents are not well. They do not get around much on their own and rely on other people to help them out. By other people, I mean my husband, myself and my husband’s aunt and uncle. My husband is over there at a minimum twice a week to do their perscriptions, bills, make their bed, take the trash out… you get the point. The aunt and uncle take them to about 99% of their doctor appointments and grocery shopping.

So, that brings me to today… Mother’s Day. My husband siezed a little had opportunity and told his sister that we needed help with his parents. We both hold down 50 hour a week plus jobs, six days a week, plus are trying to have a life of our own. HE ASKED FOR HELP. He asked her for ONE DAY A MONTH to come and clean their condo. He asked her to call them once in a while (she only calls before the holidays to see what time to show up). When he asked her for help and explained why we need it she got pissed off! I could not believe it! She said that we should be calling her to let her know what is going on with their parents. She said her parents should be calling her to let her know if they need help! I am in awe.

I’m ranting here for one reason. If you have parents who are still around and who raised you well, treat them with the same respect and kindness they treated you. Pick up a damn phone once in a while and make a call to them. Ask them how they are doing. Is a half an hour on the phone once a week too much of your precious time? Is going to visit them even if they live (OMG! AN HOUR AWAY!) too much for you?

Take care of them! They took care of you!