"My mom has been visiting this past week. Because Mama Loza never arrives without a mission, we've been scouting potential locations for a landing pad were she to ever actually retire. As she is someone who has proudly held a job since the age of 14 years old, the idea of "doing nothing" elicits an understandable amount of excitement as well as anxiety. She's been remarkably (and uncharacteristically) vulnerable when discussing the topic."
"This burgeoning episode will be shorter than all of those that came before. That doesn't mean, however, that it can't be dense with experiences and satisfaction. I am grateful to have a parent uninterested in simply evaporating into the abyss. While it can be exhausting to contend with such a strong spirit (she side-eyed the state of my extremely "lived-in" sofa only twice) it's also deliciously refreshing."
"Yet, one through line persists in each exchange. It has to do with the idea of a new chapter and the time available with which it can be written. My mom is still daydreaming, out loud even. That's inspiring. It reminds me to take full advantage of what's in front of me. And not in a "better purge the closets" or "clean out the gutters" kind of way. But in a "make this count" and "touch grass" sort of fashion."
A mother visiting to explore retirement options sparks conversations blending practicality and humor, touching on Chicago winters, sciatica, and culinary preferences. The mother, who has worked since age 14, faces excitement and anxiety about "doing nothing" and has shown vulnerability about leaving the workforce. The visits involve scouting possible retirement locations and imagining a new chapter with available time. The presence of a parent unwilling to "evaporate" into idleness inspires gratitude and reflection, motivating a focus on meaningful experiences rather than chores. Daydreaming aloud models embracing opportunity and encourages making present moments count.
Read at ESPN.com
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