Hi Dr. Laura:
My parents met when they were teenagers. They married and had four children, all of whom are married and have children of their own. My parents have ten grandchildren and I've never seen them as happy as they were when they became grandparents.
My mom has been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's four years ago, at the age of 63. Two years ago, she developed Parkinson's disease, and my dad has been her sole caregiver for the last four years. She is declining rapidly and cannot speak or walk without assistance. She has no idea who we are. My dad gets her showered and dressed, fed, takes her on walks, to doctor's appointments and gives her all the medications she is supposed to take. He has refused outside help, because, as he says, our mother is "his bride," and his job is to take care of her.
My parents gave my siblings and me a realistic and needed example of how marriage should work - not perfect, but always as a team. Their love for each other was obvious, and I had a great example of how men should treat women by watching my dad hold open doors for Mom. He was always saying how beautiful she was too.
I married a man quite like my dad, and I couldn't have chosen a better husband and father for our kids. Our children watch how Daddy treats Mommy, and how Mommy treats Daddy, so they'll grow up understanding what love is all about.
I hated listening to you when I was growing up, and my kids don't like listening now, so I know I'm doing things the right way! Thank you for making me realize how lucky I am to have been born into such a great family.
Catherine
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