June 2018

MOM’S PERSPECTIVE
Parents and open windows
by Cheryl Pangborn
Since living in Georgia, my home has
suddenly become the vacation destination.
My parents moved to North Georgia
recently, about four hours away, and for the
first time I had them as guests in my home
for an interesting few days.
I was excited to show them around but
also concerned that our weather habits
would stress them out. Our winter was still
lingering on in the spring and my parents
are always cold. Naturally, they went Alaska
style, with dozens of coats, vests and
scarves even though the forecast was mild.
For us there is nothing nicer than 50-degree
mornings with windows open to keep the
house cool during the warmer afternoons.
Forget opening a window. If either of them
sees a window in an open position, even
if it’s not changing the climate, there are
gasps of horror. When they asked me to
put the fireplace on I nearly choked.
We were excited to take them to our local
restaurant, a casual place on the river that
has a patio or an indoor area for dinner.
We eat outside on the patio in any weather.
However, as soon as we pull up, my mother
says, “you don’t eat outside do you?” It’s
the perfect night, but I know unequivocally
there is no way they’re sitting outside.
Not tonight or any night, in any weather.
Between the possibility of a chill or my
mother’s hair being compromised, it is a
known fact my parents are strictly indoor
eaters. I try to remain calm as we sit down
indoors and my dad says “this is inside?”
Help me.
It seems our meal regime was also foreign
to them. My family is a three square meals a
day group. I definitely make breakfast every
day.
“Dad, do you want eggs?”
“No, you don’t have to make them.”
“I’m making them anyway.”
“Well if you’re making them, just one egg.”
“One egg? How about two?”
“Oh, I can’t eat all that.”
“Are you a bird? Eat a couple eggs.”
“You’re mother won’t make me eggs.”
My mom chimes in at this point, “well I
don’t like them.” Poor Dad. This same
conversation played out every day. When
faced with the possibility of pancakes for
breakfast my dad was astounded, like
making pancakes can only be done on
the moon. “You can do that?” I guess
my mother has been giving my dad false
breakfast intel for years, something like “Oh,
you can only get pancakes at restaurants.”
My sweet special needs son Mason gave
up his room for them, sleeping on a pull
out loveseat in the living room. I was proud
of him for his flexibility, but he does like to
get to bed at 10pm sharp, so he’d shut
the lamp right off on my mom when she
was trying to read. At one point, he came
into the kitchen and started saying “airport,
airport.” Translation: It was nice to see you,
but I want my room back so I am ready for
you to go.”
“Airport” immediately became the code
word from me to my parents when they
were asking me to turn on the heat or “just
make me a half sandwich.” Overall, it was
a success and, even with all their weather
woes and aversion to al fresco dining,
it was a fun visit. They said they felt like
they were on a real vacation and I was so
grateful that even with our open window
policy they felt right at home. I’m looking
forward to next time but perhaps it would
be best for all if it were during the summer. P
52
JUNE 2018