Filling The Gap

I am usually with both parents throughout the day, but occasionally I am left with just my mom.  This escalates my responsibility as I must care for her, helping as much as I can.  I am usually the one receiving the care, but when Dad is gone someone needs to come to Mom’s aid.  This is not to imply she is helpless or incompetent.  Quite the opposite, in fact.  But she is a lady, and I must be her protector and assist her in any way I can.  That means carrying out loads of wash to be hung outside.  It means giving encouragement as she puzzles over hard things.  It means doing what I can to make her life more pleasant.  I must be more of a companion.  I have to fill in the gaps.  It is often exhausting because I have to stay alert at all times.  She is easy to care for, but I must curb my autistic tendencies to alleviate some stress.  Why you ask?   Well, because I love her, of course.