The more Thanksgiving changes, the more it stays the same
Sometime during the next few weeks, someone will inevitably ask me, “Do Jewish people celebrate Thanksgiving?” I will smile and explain for the nineteenth time that we celebrate Thanksgiving, dress in costume for Halloween, eat chocolate hearts on Valentine’s Day, and break all our New Year’s resolutions. Just like every other American. Thanksgiving always takes [...]
This microwave may or may not be safe – anyone got a canary?
Approximately two weeks ago, the scene in our kitchen was a lot like scenes in any other kitchen where three generations try to find something to eat without killing each other. In front of the microwave, my kids lined up with their oatmeal, behind Husband with his coffee, behind Mom with her tea, and behind [...]
How to talk to your children… when they are middle-aged and moody
I feel bad when I hear people who are my age complaining about an estranged relationship with their parents. I’ve always been close with my parents, despite so many differences, and yet what works for us doesn’t always work for others. A good relationship requires work. Let’s face it. Our parents didn’t understand us when [...]
How to get along with your parents when they lose their hearing so you won’t lose your mind
Dad handed me a brochure. “Improving communication with the hearing impaired,” I read the title out loud. “This isn’t going to suggest I watch Wheel of Fortune so we have something to talk about during happy hour, is it?” “My doctor said I should let the family read it.” He tapped his ears. “I have [...]
“Who said you were entitled to a vacation?”
I had at least twelve lengthy conversations with my mom before leaving my teaching career to return to the business world. I lived in Colorado at the time. Husband and I wanted to come home to Tampa, but knew that would require her assistance. “You’re about to retire,” I said. “Are you sure you want [...]
Fun conversations with my parents – ongoing
Have you met my dad? He’s a kinder, gentler Archie Bunker who looks a little like Dick Cheney. For years, we worried about his health, but recently, through sheer will and determination, he put his love of pork products on hold to lose about twenty-five pounds and cut his diabetes meds in half. We are [...]
My parents go to the movies – look out drivers!
My parents don’t go to the movies too often. They prefer to watch whatever my brother recommends from the comfort of their Barcaloungers. Why don’t they watch what I recommend? One word: Borat. My dad still isn’t the same. There are several reasons why they don’t like watching movies in public. Dad could do without [...]
File under fun: Mom and Dad, who need help working the coffee machine, might buy a computer
We had dinner with my parents the other night. The good people who produce reality-based shows like Bounty Hunters and Man v. Food don’t know what they’re missing. Sitting down at my mother’s table is an adventure the likes of which they’ve never seen, not in the jungles of South America or the streets of [...]
Disproportionately blessed...
Catherine Durkin Robinson
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