Quote:
Originally Posted by asphaltgambler
Mostly my parents, who are deceased. They were the embodiment of the Greatest Generation in every way.
1) Pushed me and my siblings hard, expected nothing but the best from us at all times and had no problem telling us when we didn't.
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This is perfect and I wish I had experienced this.
I had a close third scenario (or seventeenth?). My Dad would criticize but not nurture a forward path through direction. He probably did provide direction but I was so eviscerated from the beat down, I was unable to process it.
Mom was always the safe haven. Mind you, she beat my punk-ass with a willow tree switch countless times in the 60's. She was no push-over.
She had a bad stroke 10 years ago and is in a constant care facility. Can't speak except for "Yeah, yeah, yeah" or "No, no, no" and often gets it backwards. However, there is communication.
All I have to do is bring in a pile of her 3"x5" hand written recipes to the care facility. I read them off to her and talk about preparing these dishes and she is in heaven. This is what I am thankful for.
My Dad, aka, Attila the Hun, visits her three times a day. Both are 80. He is twice the man I will ever be.
Good people.