Mary Beth Sammons at the Eldercare ABC Blog has an interesting article about what it means for children to “be there” for parents. Her article reviews the book “Here If You Need Me: A True Story,” by Kate Braestrup.

Sammons remarks on braestrup’s idea of a “ministry of presence,” i.e., being there, present, for parents as they go through the difficulties that often accompany the aging process.

Here if you need me | Elder Care ABC

It seems obvious that a chaplain would practice this ministry of presence. But, when I think about it, I believe that is largely what caregivers do most of the time. We are present – or try to be – for our aging parents. It is something to think about. When and how are we present for our aging parents? What does that mean?

For me, sometimes it means sitting in the waiting room of the doctor’s office or testing lab, while my mom is getting an X-ray or an exam.

It only seems right that since we wanted our parents to “be there” at our Little League games, school plays and concerts, and other important social functions, we should reciprocate with a degree of presence as they go through some of the more difficult problems of aging.

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