The more things change, the more they stay the same. A cliché, but like all clichés, built on truth. Over the past few days I’ve been up close and personal to this phrase during a visit with my folks. Let me share more – it’s cheaper than therapy.
When asked his age, Dad will tell you he’ll be 88 this year even though his birthday isn’t until Oct. 5th. Like a toddler who proudly states they are three and a half, my Father has always upped his age. Given that so many choose to be 29 forever, I find this amusing and laugh. My Mom who is 77 until Nov. 7th rolls her eyes.
When I hear Mom’s voice from the back bedroom, I ask Dad, “Is she talking to you?” Rolling his eyes he says, “I don’t know who she’s talking to. I can’t hear her and then she’ll tell me she told me something when she didn’t!”
Moments later my Mom emerges carrying something in her arms. “Here honey, I thought you’d want your sweater since it’s getting chilly.” As she helps him put it on, Dad says, “Thanks, honey” and their wrinkled eyes meet with warmth and compassion. Yup, 55 years of marriage later, the more things change, the more they stay the same.
This motivational speaker's eyes got misty.
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Oh my gosh, Colette, you have some fabulous parents there. And they have a FABULOUS daughter who pays attention to these small, meaningful, important moments. It's like you're making little movies in your mind that you can replay over and over years from now. Thank you for reminding me to pay attention to those moments!
Sniff. Sniff. Sniff. Beautiful. Linda is right – you have a gift for seeing the beauty in the smallest of moments. What a treasure you are. I so appreciate you, and hope this rubs off a little bit on me.
I love this story, Colette. Over the span of 55 years a lot can change but how lucky you are to have parents who are still together with their warmth and compassion!