One of the few good outcomes from dealing with the heartache of aging parents is that others have them, too. I have found enormous comfort and goodwill and camraderie from colleagues, friends, slight acquaintances - just about anyone.  Not all people have children. Not all people have a significant other. But everyone has parents, or grandparents. Everyone has to do this eventually, to a greater or lesser extent.

Start the conversation. "Are your parents still living?" Hold on to your chair for the rush of information, the offers to help, the coping tips, the stories. A rather dark team building exercise, perhaps, but a very effective one.

8:10:13 PM