The Older Parent

I showed Dad my newish car yesterday. He looked around, got in, looked around some more. He asked, “Is this like the one your brother had?” Now this wouldn’t have been such an interesting question, if I had a brother. However, as far as I know, I’m an only child.

I asked him, “what brother?” and he said, “Fil.” Then I knew, he for a moment, thought I was my mother, and had asked about my Uncle Flavis, who indeed did have a green minivan, many years ago, before he died.

I just said, “I’m not Julia, but yes, this is like Uncle Fil’s old van.” It makes me sad that such a formerly sharp man is at this point.