Visiting them from 2,000 kilometres to tell them, that they need to move out of their elderly home because they now need special care.
As an only child, this is an emotional rollercoaster like no other.
My mum, in her mind always so strong and independent, now needs constant support in her wheelchair. And my dad, who was her rockโher caregiver, her waiter, her nurseโis now in the first stage of dementia. The roles are slowly reversing.
Itโs heartbreaking to witness the shift.
The people who once took care of me, guided me, and were always there as pillars of strength, now need help to navigate daily life.
My dad, who always knew what to do, who was the person-to-go-to for his entire family, now needs my mumโs help to remember things.
Itโs the end of an era, where they were the strong, independent ones, and I was the one who needed them.
But this is life, isnโt it? The circle that eventually comes back around.
For all the good care, the love, and the sacrifices they made for me, itโs now my turn to be there for them. Itโs not easy, and itโs a decision that weighs heavy on my heart, but itโs also a chance to give backโbecause they deserve the same care and attention they always gave me.
So the upcoming months I will be travelling a lot, not only for work but also to the Netherlands to guide them through the mental process of moving, and adapting to a new environment.
To anyone going through a similar journey, know this:it's okay to feel the weight of it all.
But remember,
it's also a privilege to give back to the ones who shaped us.
Cherish every moment.
And thank you Evelina Moreno for being at my side all the time to support me with insights, thoughts and love.