My mother's first attempt at dying occurred nine days after her eighty-ninth birthday. Mark lived a carefree bachelor life, no children, few responsibilities outside of work, but that all changed when " The Call" came. So he gave up that life and moved back to his childhood home in New Jersey to take over his eighty-nine-year-old mother's care. His first task was to remove all hazards, which included Genevieve's current caretakers. After, he asked his mother, " Do you trust me?" She whispered, " Yes." " Do you understand I will do everything in my power to keep you healthy and safe?" She nodded. " That means I'm in charge, and that means now you must obey me." Her mood shifted in an instant. She looked him dead in the eye, then puckered up her lips. He wasn't sure if this was a sign of surrender or one wishing him luck. He kissed her and hoped for the best. Compassion, patience, and the indispensable sense of humor came into play daily and often all at once during their journey. The parent/child role reversal may not have been unique to Mark, but how he dealt with it was. For instance, one day, hoping to make Genevieve's adventures on the commode a tad more pleasant, he offered her a cup of her favorite beverage. It was a hit, and a cup of tea on the commode became a staple on the morning menu. A Cup of Tea on the Commode, a sad, sweet, and funny memoir, chronicles Mark's multitasking adventures of filling Genevieve's last years with love, laughter, and joy. Though not always successful, he came pretty damn close.
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