I am lucky to still have both parents, they are 98 years old and in poor health. I live 3+ hours away but I try to visit every week or so.
My dad is in a rehab facility and his only connection to the outside world (other than TV) is his cell phone. He calls me almost every day. We don't chat long but it helps him stay 'relevant' to the life he once knew.
I find your story to be endearing. Thank-you for posting.
Wonderful that your parents have had long lives, at the same time growing old is so difficult. My dad passed 30 years ago at 70 and though he was vibrant at the time and too young to go, the plus (I guess) is he never endured what my mom did over the last 10+ years of her life. For too many elderly, the last phase of life is filled with sadness, loneliness, humiliation, discomfort.
At this moment, my wife is in upstate NY caring for her mid-80’s parents - mom who is declining mentally and dad who has had multiple strokes and is deteriorating by the day. Hard to witness.
It’s a little emotional for me to hear the stories of you all staying connected to your elderly parents - providing them with a bright moment in their day. These small things are sometimes the most important. Best to all of you and your parents.