A subtle shift

As I watched my dad take his chainsaw to a log and my mom hoist a large chunk of wood onto the log-splitter the other day, I realized just how fragile they both are. It seems like Mom could be crushed by the mere weight of a falling pine cone, and Dad... well, he is at the stage where pretty much every joint always aches. He even paused during his chainsaw-wielding routine to work out a kink in the middle of his back. The number of gray hairs on their heads continues to multiply every time I see them. Mom's hands and fingers have begun to constantly ache. Dad can hardly hear.

As much as it hurts to admit, I am fully aware that there will be a time when neither of them will exist on this earth. Never again will I be able to joke with Dad about him needing a haircut. No more will I see 'Mom' on the screen of my ringing cell phone. Their house -- complete with the impossible driveway -- will cease to be a gathering place for us children. My heart literally starts to hurt at the idea of all this. I guess it's good to think about it when they are still around so I can appreciate and love them as much as they deserve, but dang, it's a scary thought. I don't want to try to function without one or both of them here to turn to.

And now Dad wants to deep fry a turkey for Christmas. Yikes. All I can think is how incredibly dangerous it is if you don't do it right, or if you are easily distracted, or if you are a little klutzy, or if you are ... well, my dad. It's as though the roles have reversed a little, with me wanting to be more of a protector for them.

Wow, is this what being an adult is like??