Some Things Are More Important Than Politics

[MineralMan]

I just returned from visiting my 95-year-old parents at their home in California. While I was there, I thought about politics not at all. Sometimes there are things that completely override politics on our lives. Here's a photo of me with my mother, who suffers from dementia, but can be lucid once in a while, like she was when this photo was taken. My father hates having his photo taken. Between the two of them, I think I got a pretty good set of genes for longevity.

This is more important than politics. My father flew B-17s in WWII, while my mother was carrying me when she was just 20. Last June, they celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary.

[Heartstrings]

1. "This is more important than politics"....

Indeed, MM, indeed!

[MineralMan]

4. Yes.

[Adsos Letter]

2. My wife's uncle flew B-17s over Germany in WWII.

They may have crossed paths at some point.

Andy came home with a chunk the size of a softball blown out of his leg.

[MineralMan]

3. Could be. My father was based both in northern Africa and

in Italy. He flew a number of missions over Germany late in the war. He was never injured, but has a pretty big piece of flak that embedded itself inside the cockpit.

[Adsos Letter]

8. Andy was the co-pilot.

He managed to bring the aircraft home after the pilot was killed during an attack by a German fighter aircraft (not sure what type).

He wrote an account of his experiences during the war. My wife has a copy of it around here somewhere.

[OriginalGeek]

14. My Grandpa retired as a CWO in the early 60s

he was an aircraft mechanic in the Air Force (Army Air Corps at first) during WWII and Korea. I know he was in France and England for a short time but I think he spent a lot more time in Okinawa before retiring.

Anyway, here's to you and yours!

[MineralMan]

32. That generation is slipping away very quickly now.

Time is not on our side.

[OriginalGeek]

36. It's been about 3 years

and I miss him every day. He made it to 96 so I hope I got some of that since I also got his vanishing hair line!

[redstatebluegirl]

5. Hugs to you and your beautiful Mom Mineral Man.

[MineralMan]

6. Thank you!

[Karadeniz]

7. Thanks for the sentiment and the photo...I hope you haven't done anything to screw up your

Genetic longevity. We should be hearing from you for decades and decades, thank goodness!

[MineralMan]

9. I hope not, too.

[CaptYossarian]

10. Thank you for posting.

I think your 95-year old mother looks 75. Better find that birth certificate.

[MineralMan]

11. Actually, I turn 75 this year.

Shocking, isn't it?

[CaptYossarian]

18. I'm afraid that today's women over 50 look younger than ever, while females

under 20 look older.

No wonder guys get into trouble so easily.

Congrats on a great milestone.

[Rorey]

28. I remember when my oldest son got older than me

Weird, but true.

[Alliepoo]

12. Awwwww-what a sweet pic!

Your little mama makes me think of my sweet mama. I miss her every day.

[MineralMan]

13. I wish we lived closer to them, but that can't be done.

California has gotten too expensive for us. So we fly out there whenever we can. They're both pretty frail these days and have 24/7 live-in health care aides to assist them. Fortunately, they put away more than enough to cover that long-term care, although they're thinking about selling their citrus and avocado farm, which they own outright so they don't have to worry about finances at all. I hope they do that soon, and move into a smaller place.

[jalan48]

15. That's a wonderful photo. Thanks for sharing.

[PWPippinesq]

16. Wonderful picture, MineralMan.

A most treasured time for me and two siblings was caring for our mother at age 86 when she was in hospice care during the last three months of her life. It was a wonderful bonding time for the three of us and our mother said the happiest moments of her life were hearing us in the kitchen talking and laughing together. After 86 years, I'm sure there were others at least as happy. Nonetheless, she gave us a great treasure, both with her example of grace, humor and love right to the end and by letting us know that we were deeply loved. They were magical moments for us and I wouldn't trade them for anything. With those good genes, live long, MineralMan. I hope to, as well.

[malaise]

17. Family always comes first

You are so lucky to still have your parents around

[MineralMan]

19. I've really begun to realize that. When I tell people my parents

have celebrated their 75th anniversary, nobody I know knows any couple who have done that. Their doctor tells them that they are the oldest couple he has ever had as patients. I started making an appointment with their doctor each year to discuss their health with him. He has their permission to tell me everything, and he does. He listens to my concerns and addresses them, since I know their day to day status from my daily calls to them. He even gave me his personal cell phone number so i can contact him. I have only used that once, and he responded with a house call to check them out. He also calls me directly if there is any issue he thinks I should know about.

Fortunately, my sister and her husband live in the same town as my parents, and see them regularly, as well. They recently moved back to their farm house and have live-in aides who alternate every three days. They don't need skilled nursing care, but they do need care with hygiene, medication control and meals. Some housekeeping also comes with the aides. It's working out fairly well, at least for now, but we're keeping an eye on things all the time.

[malaise]

21. The best part is that they have children who love them

and they are living in their own home. You're a good man MineralMan

[MineralMan]

23. I try. I wish I could be there more, but they're in good hands.

I can get there within 24 hours, or even less in an emergency.

[slumcamper]

20. How right you are.

Your thoughts always give cause for deeper analysis & introspection.

I struggle mightily at times to sublimate the raging current of political blood that courses through my veins and the perceptual lens that colors my mind and thoughts (the self-imposed weltanschauung of one who embraced a history/political science undergrad double major during the first reign of Ronnie R, i.e., El Salvador, Nicaragua, Iran-Contra...and organized for McGovern in the '84 Iowa caucus).

Thanks for grounding me at a time when I very much need it.

[MineralMan]

24. It can be hard to maintain a reasonable perspective.

It takes a lot of thought, I think. Politics are still very important, but they're not everything.

[Mrs. Overall]

22. Beautiful post and photo.

[MineralMan]

25. Thank you very much!

[spanone]

26. ⭐️K&R⭐️

[dawn5651]

27. :) you are incredibly lucky to have both of your parents..my dad died in 64 and my mom died in 2017

[MineralMan]

29. I'm so sorry you have lost your parents. My wife has, too.

She has adopted my parents, though, and visits with me whenever she can. I do fly out to California by myself, though, a few times each year.

[dawn5651]

35. that is beautiful mineral man :) your parents are beautiful

[samplegirl]

30. What a good story

I wish mine were still here. Hope you enjoy your time with them.

[spicysista]

31. 75 years! Wow, MM!

Peace and blessings to you and your 95 year old parents! It's so good to be able to touch and feel those whom you love. I hope you get take many more trips to visit your family in the future.

[iluvtennis]

33. Wow, 95 years old - she looks great. Thanks for sharing with us. And, FAMILY & friends are #1. nt

[blueinredohio]

34. It is more important M.M.

Congratulations and enjoy them while you can.

[Just_Vote_Dem]

37. Very nice pic

The best to you and your family. I enjoy your posts.

[TomSlick]

38. Thanks for reminding us what is really important.

I enjoyed the photo. I now understand your avatar.

[Niagara]

39. Absolutely.

Beautiful photo and thank you for sharing.

[BobTheSubgenius]

40. You have something rare there!

With the exception of my father's sister, no one on either side of my family has lived past 72.

What a gift!