Much better than a chalky conversation heart--an actual conversation! About dying!
Me: Happy Valentine's Day, Mom!
Mom: Happy Valentine's Day to you, too! Hey! We're getting ready to walk out the door, but I have a quick question before we go.
Me: Sure.
Mom: Are you willing to pull the plug on us if we're unresponsive?
Me: Um... Where are you going? I mean, Yes! Absolutely! Actually, I might keep you plugged in for a few days just to see if you wiggle or something.
Mom: I think that's normal. Okay then! Tell the girls I said Happy Valentine's Day!
As I type this message to you, my parents are Getting Their Things in Order.
And I'm in charge of the plug pulling!
I'm a lucky girl!
Submitted by
TX Poppet
at 2/14/2008 10:31:47 AM- Both my mother and my mother-in-law spent years caring for elderly parents. My parents gave power of attorney to my eldest sister, but I have medical power of attorney for Mum only because "I know when I'm senile and in pain you'll bring me a really fine glass of wine and enough pills to take out an elephant. You're sisters would just make me linger." Great. Six months later, my mother in law says very earnestly to me, "Promise me that when I get like my Mom was, you'll bring me a nice glass of chardonnay and a bottle of pills. I know you're the only one I can trust."
I keep looking for the tatoo on my forehead that says "Kevorvian", but I haven't found it yet.
Submitted by
TXPoppet
at 2/14/2008 10:33:17 AM- Perhaps it's next to the spell check button.
Submitted by
bethany Coffey
at 2/14/2008 10:53:47 AM- whoa, what a question, kinda like, "hey, i have a quick question, do i have anything in my teeth?" I agree though, if it's clear that i ain't comin back able to wipe my ass, pull that plug!
Submitted by
You can call me, 'Sir'
at 2/14/2008 10:58:12 AM- Romance. Overload.
It's to bad there's not enough room on those chalky hearts for 'I'm willing to end you!' or 'I'll be your reaper!'.
Submitted by
Velma
at 2/14/2008 11:30:23 AM- I asked my parents if they could change the wording in their wills so I could be the "Executrix" of their estate instead of the "Executor." I've always wanted to be a "-trix." Makes the whole thing sound kind of naughty, you know?
Submitted by
Monkey
at 2/14/2008 11:57:38 AM- I am the official plug puller as well. it is was we get for being that dangerous combination of sensible and dependable.
Submitted by
Sarahlynn
at 2/14/2008 12:00:01 PM- Well, Happy Valentine's Day! What a . . . thoughtful gift. (Actually, I suppose that it is, if perhaps a bit morbid.)
My mother shopped it around and decided that only my youngest sister should be allowed to make the Big Decision, since my other sister and I are, apparently, far too weak to ever pull the plug.
Although, it was my husband who came up with a Plan B, to be enacted as soon as my mom develops the Alzheimers she's sure will creep up on her any day, now.
He's to wait for a very cold, winter day (my parents live in more northerly climes) and send my mom out for her morning jog, dressed in running shorts and summer-weight tee. She agreed that freezing wouldn't be such a bad way to go.
Submitted by
Alyce
at 2/14/2008 12:18:21 PM- Real love is being able to do what is asked of you, even if it will pain you to do so.
Happy V-Day!
Submitted by
Karen T-H
at 2/14/2008 7:32:27 PM- Alyce, Alyce. You really get it, all of it. I infer that your thought refers to far more than plugs.
Additional words will not improve that simple truth.
Submitted by
Heather B.
at 2/19/2008 3:38:01 PM- My younger brother is the plug puller. Not because he's anymore responsible than I or anything, but because it's less likely for him to be curled up in the fetal position, with a bottle of vodka in hand, when that time comes. Anyway, he's better with that stuff and I'd be too busy, I don't know...crying or something ridiculous like that.
Submitted by
Susan
at 2/22/2008 9:59:25 PM- I am also in charge of the plug pulling, while my brother is in charge of the money. We like to get together at family gatherings, have a few cocktails, and start threatening to pull the plug and run off with the money.
Good times.
Submitted by
JustLinda
at 3/1/2008 6:30:01 PM- My SISTER got the plug-pulling duty assigned to her.
I got financial power of attorney.
We won't be sure who got the better job until we see how cranky they are and how much money they have. (And we're hoping that's not for a looong time, but dammit, I get the COOKIE JAR, 'cause I called that years ago!)
Nothing says love like pulling the plug.