Lots of people have asked why I titled my memoir A Cup of Tea on the Commode. So, I’ll do my best to explain. My mother cherished her weekly trips to the beauty parlor for a shampoo & set. Occasionally, she’d spice things up with a perm and frosting that required a reintroduction to her family—evenContinue reading “The Story Behind the Title”
Tag Archives: caregiving
“I Come Running”
While sipping her early morning juice Mom turns to me with furrowed brow. Gen: I call you all the time. Why don’t you ever call me? Mark: You call me. I come running. I call you. What are you doing to do? Gen: (Shrugging) I don’t know.
“The Meds are Working”
Gen: Why are you so good to me?
Mark: Because you’re my mom and I love you.
Gen: You’re a good kid.
Mark: (Under my breath) The meds are working.
You Must Obey Me
When I asked, “Do you trust me?” She whispered, “Yes.” “Do you understand I’ll do everything in my power to keep you healthy and safe?” She smiled and nodded. “That means you must obey me.” Her mood shifted in an instant. Then she puckered up for a kiss. A sign of surrender? Or wishing me luck?
Mini-Excerpt
I hug Mom. She wants no part of it. Genevieve: My teeth. Mark: I was trying to have a moment. Genevieve: (She points to the tray) My teeth.
A Mini-Excerpt
Genevieve: (Distressed) I’m going.
Mark: Oh no, is this it?
Genevieve: (After a moment) I finished/
Mark: Finished what?
Genevieve: Peeing.
“You Look Tired”
After a long night of little sleep, Mom calls for me at 6:00 am. I stumble out of bed and into her room.
Mom: You look tired.
Mark: I wonder why.
A Cup of Tea on the Commode,
a son’s multitasking adventures caring for his mom, getting no sleep, and surviving to tell the tale.
Not Another Fire, Please (excerpt)
We Porros tend to be sensitive about house fires. For us, the most significant event in July 1969 was not the one-small-step-for-man moon landing, but a five-alarmer that destroyed the second story of our house. Thankfully, no one was hurt. However, we lost many irreplaceable items including collections of near-priceless vintage baseball cards and comic books,Continue reading “Not Another Fire, Please (excerpt)”
“Your Favorite Son”
Mom: Now, what is it I call you?
I thought she was kidding, so I kidded back.
Mark: Mark, your favorite son.
Mom: I don’t have favorites.
Mark: You have a favorite to forget.
A Cup of Tea on the Commode,
a son’s multitasking adventures caring for his mom, though not her favorite, and surviving to tell the tale.
Who Needs Food and Medications?
After her doctor cut off all food and medications, Mom prescribed her own remedy. Sherbet. Eight bowls a day. Every day. She was 89 and getting stronger. How could I say “No”?
A Cup of Tea on the Commode,
a son’s multitasking adventures caring for his mom, her impending diabetes, and surviving to tell the tale.