My mother's first attempt at dying occurred nine days after her
eighty-ninth birthday.
I lived a carefree bachelor life, no children, few responsibilities
outside of work, but that all changed when the call came. When she
decided to come back to life, I decided to move from the dry heat of Los
Angeles back to the high humidity of New Jersey to take over. My first
task was to remove all hazards: her current caretakers.
After, I asked my mom, "Do you trust me?" She whispered, "Yes." "Do you
understand I will do everything in my power to keep you healthy and
safe?" She nodded. "That means I'm in charge. And that means you must
obey me." Her mood shifted in an instant. She looked me dead in the eye
and puckered up her lips. I wasn't sure if this was a sign of surrender
or one wishing me luck. I kissed her and hoped for the best.
The parent/child role reversal was not unique to me, but how I dealt
with it was. A Cup of Tea on the Commode chronicles my multi-taking
adventures of filling Mom's last years with love, laughter, and joy.
Though not always successful, I came pretty damn close.
