Grandma Red has six children: Dot, Ed, Tam, Ter, Rox and G. We are all relatively competent on a good day and ought to be able to tend to her needs. After all, she raised us: fed us, kept us clothed, monitored our activities, taught us right from wrong, and made sure we all knew we belonged. Four of us are in town, Tam assists from the other side, and Ter only needs an hour and a half to get from her parking spot to mom’s front door. She dedicates at least a day and a half every week to mom’s care. I’m retired, the other three “in-towners” have flexible schedules and I’m not sure how often Tam can connect, but she does. You would think we could cover all the bases all the time.

Unfortunately, we don’t. Part of our problem is Mom. She is used to being independent, calling the shots, providing the service and orchestrating life at Thorpe Central. She has slowed down considerably. Over the past two months she has repeatedly lamented her “worthlessness.” So, we have spent time reflecting on that statement and trying to counter her conjectures. 

Just last week Alice, mom’s hair stylist, changed her appointment from the usual Thursday to Wednesday. Alice told me, and I failed to pass along the info because I forgot about the change. I’m forgetful but not worthless. Well, come Wednesday and mom is supposed to be at Alice’s, I’m in Logan and not looking at my phone. Maybe I am worthless. So, Alice called Rox when she couldn’t get me. Rox left work, rushed to mom’s, ran in, informed mom of the change and hustled her out the door for the hair appointment. Now, Rox had had a busy day. She was at work, had lined up day-care, catered a retirement party and was still recovering from bottle feeding five puppies for eight weeks. She really didn’t need this. And then to top it all off, on the way to the car with Mom on her arm, mom’s tie-up sweatpants slid to her knees. The tie-ups hadn’t been tied up. Mom stopped, looked down, and started laughing. Rox got the giggles and couldn’t stop. Worthless? I don’t think so.

It’s a Good Life when you can laugh at yourself. It’s a great life when you can help someone else laugh, and it certainly isn’t a worthless life when you laugh together!