After a certain age, your parents slowly become your children. They ask simple questions, repeat stories, and depend on your patience the way you once depended on theirs. Very few understand this role reversal. What looks like innocence or inconvenience is really time coming full circle. Don't correct them harshly. Don't rush them. Care for them the way they once protected you. This is not a burden. It is repayment.
Ever since they taught us "Population" and "Census" in Civic Education, I won't lie, I've been waiting for them to knock on our door and do a head count 😭.
My dad discovered voice notes last year and has fully replaced phone calls with them, He just sends long, unedited, stream of consciousness voice notes sent at random hours. I receive them like dispatches from another world.
Voice note received 6:47am
Dad: (sound of kettle in background)
Good morning. I was thinking about you. I saw something on the television last night about young people and stress and I wanted to check on you. Are you eating. I hope you're eating. Your mother made stew yesterday it was very good. I told her to send you some but she said you live far. I said that's what couriers are for. She said I don't know how to use the courier app. I told her I would do it. I haven't done it yet but I will. Anyway. Call me when you wake up. Or send a voice note. Your mother says you never call. I told her you're busy. Are you busy? Don't be too busy. Okay. Have a good day. Eat something. Bye. (paus It's dad by the way.
Me: (listens to entire two minute voice note)
Me: (it is 6:47am)
Me: (sends voice note back)
Me: Dad I know it's you. You're the only one who sends voice notes this long. I'm eating. Tell mum I'll call this weekend. Also you don't need to say bye and then keep talking and then say bye again.
Voice note received 6:51am
Dad: (laughing) Okay okay. Bye.
Me: (smiling at phone at 6:51am)
Me: (this is actually the best start to a morning)