parents getting old and frail

[reikizen]

Just wanted to see how other people were coping/have coped with the inevitable 'decline' of their parents. Mine are increasingly doddery after being so vital and strong through my life that it is making me very sad and anxious about the future. What makes it worse is the fact that they live 50 miles away and I have 2 small children and a job which means I can't offer them much in the way of practical support (not that they accept it when I do offer!)Just sort of offloading really...

I know how you feel, I live abroad but have 4 siblings in my native country, 2 live near them, but, ironically, are the less practical,caring siblings.

it's hard. Mine are mid 80s and I live 250 miles away. Thankfully I have a brother who lives near to them but it makes me feel guilty that he has to do the running around.

Maybe you have a DH/DP who can do the child care at weekends so you can see them then?

I think it's an emotional adjustment thing- you gradually get used to seeing them get older.

Yep its really hard. Mine are 200 miles away, Dad not in good health and Mum I'm sure not in good mental health. But i've got 4 young children and work nearly f/t. I feel terrible. They gave me an idyllic childhood and now what do i do for them? Not much at all! I have a brother but he's bloomin useless so yes its awful and i feel really selfish and guilty most of the time :(