What were your parents doing at your age?

When my parents were my age (53), they were living the dream. They had a full life with all the trimmings: children, grandchildren, a home of their own, as well as being gainful employment. They were both still working at their respective jobs – Mom as a secretary at the local automobile salvage shop, and Dad as a mechanic. At that time, they were raising my nephew, Christopher. They lived in a lovely three-bedroom home on a country road, which our family helped build together.

As parents of five adult children, they were blessed with five grandchildren: Rita, Robert, Jena, Christopher, and little Tracy (my niece, who was named after me).

They lived the dream, and they did it well. My parents were popular and respected individuals who always strove to do what was right. They made a conscious effort to be fair and honest in all their dealings. By doing so, they inspired and encouraged each and every one of us in the family to strive for excellence. They were hardworking and caring people who left a lasting impact on our lives.
Sadly, Mom and my nephew Robert have since passed away. Dad is now living life to the best of his ability without her. We, too, are learning to navigate life without her. I really enjoyed writing this post, as it gave me the opportunity to reminisce through old family photos and relive cherished memories.
Although I miss my mom every single minute of every day, I take comfort in knowing that she continues to watch over us, no matter what challenges we may face.