Wednesday, May 27, 2009

My Dad Has Turned Into My Mom.

My parents are cool. My mom is funny, sarcastic, super-smart and is my go-to parent for family gossip, empathy and chit-chat. She keeps me up-to-date on the goings on of my siblings, their spouses and their kids. My dad is also funny, sarcastic and really quite handy. But he is NOT my go-to parent for family gossip, empathy or chit-chat. He keeps me up-to-date on...um....right-wing politics and funny emails. When I call and he answers, we talk for about two minutes and then he gives the phone to my mom and she and I talk for a half hour. This is not because I like my mom better; it's because this is just how it is in my family.

My mom just had knee replacement surgery. She put if off forever because she was worried about all the things she had to do and how they would all get done while she recuperated. You know, important things like planting the garden, vacuuming and REALLY important things like defrosting the freezer. (Yes, she seriously worried about that.) My dad promised that he would take care of everything.

And he did!

I called them on Friday night to let them know I was going to be out of town camping for a few days. Mom was already in bed (those damn time zones still get me) so I talked to my dad. I expected the usual two minute conversation. About 15 minutes later, we're still talking. Huh. Weird. But it gets weirder!! Then he says, "Anne got a haircut". I look out my window to see if the sky is falling, if aliens are landing or what type of end-of-the-world scenario is coming my way. Everything appeared fine - the world-altering phenomenon must still be two hours away in the central time zone. The conversation continued... all about Anne's hair stylist, who is also my mom's hairstylist, and her opinion of why Anne needed a haircut. Then about all of Anne's co-workers who don't usually talk to her but who have gone out of their way to tell her what a great haircut it is. Really, Dad? Is this you on the phone?? Correct me if I'm wrong, but you just spent five minutes gossiping about my sister's hair?!

Well, he did promise to take care of everything while my mom recuperated! Apparently this includes taking care of the family gossip and chit-chat. So, Mom? Keep taking your meds and getting your rest! Dad has everything under control.

1 comment:

Craig Brandenburg said...

This is a wonderful post!