Unforgivable

When you have seasoned parents (meaning over the age of eighty) I believe its a sign of love, respect, gratitude and loyalty to send them a greeting card for important holidays.  If you don't have the time to purchase a simple .99 card at Walgreens or Target...and you'd rather not send an e-mail greeting, then goodness gracious...pick up the telephone and wish them a Happy Easter, Happy Spring, Happy Anything.

 

There's no rule that you have to spoil your parents with a gift card, a dozen roses, a spiral ham or 6-pack of Corona beer.  There's no rule that you must call them or send a Blue Mountain free electronic greeting with animated characters and music to boot.  No rule!  Its just simple recognition of two people who love you and did the best they could to guide you through the first 17-25 years of your life.

 

In my opinion, not contacting your parents is unforgivable.  What's worse is knowing that one (or both) have had recent surgery and there was not a word from their son or daughter.  Unforgivable.  Perhaps you had words with them long ago and the conversation is fresh in your mind.  Perhaps you moved out of the area and there are still hard feelings.  Get over it.

 

One day when you think you might call to say hello or stop by their assisted living facility, they may not be there. Maybe they took a bus or train or plane to spend their time with family that care.  Maybe one (or both) are terribly ill and unable to come to the phone - cannot manage to get to their front door.  You don't want to wake up and "smell the coffee" once they are no longer on this earth. 

 

I sent a funny card with a picture of a black and white cat on the front to my parents for Easter.  Inside I placed some pictures I knew they would enjoy.  There was no gift card - just my sincere love and appreciation.  It wasn't that difficult to do.

 

So dear readers - don't forget that May has both Mother's Day and Memorial Day holidays to celebrate.  Mark it on your calendar or have your assistant mark it in your appointment book.  It would be a shame to miss the boat again. 

 

Stepping off my soap box now to take a deep breath.  I feel better.