Luckily, mine is still around, and I'm enjoying every single day we get to banter back and forth. See, she almost died back in the spring (as most here at TM remember) so even when she hits a nerve, I count my blessings and bite my tongue. She's very "up" on things (being a Fox News junkie) and I love having a window to the past to put modern-day happenings into perspective. Truth be told, she has me aced when it comes to intelligence, and is also blessed with the common sense I lack.
My wife's mother has entered the end of her life- has perhaps a year or two left- and I try to get them together as much as possible.
It really is a window into another world, talking to older folks. Our nieces view her dial phone with amazement, and her stories of the days before electricity ( outhouses, and hand-pumped water, woodburning stoves for heat & cooking ) like she flew in from another planet. But they do listen, and learn.
My mother turned me rightwing at 8 -g-
She was a fighter/always sending commentaries on Boss Daley
Got invitations to Nixon,Goldwaters inaugurations
Raised 8 kids, gave away 2, married 32 years, then got a career and worked until 76
History from her speaks volumes, as with a paternal aunt
My mom has Altzheimers and I wish I could banter politics and news stories with her, but alas she cannot even recall what food was served to her an hour prior. All those who still have their mothers and fathers cognizant, should not waste a moment in appreciating and enjoying them while you can. Life is far too short!