When did you realise they were going but still alive?
Not sick. Not slow just retreated from the world. Can’t take big decisions, can’t follow conversations yet is still sharp on what they did as a career. She is 80.
I depended on my mum to advise me. Such good advice. But sometimes the advice is bizarre. (“Cut the legs off the bedside table and put it on the kitchen counter as an extra draw.”). If it’s not to do with her she’ll just change the subject.
My reaction is to call her out. Treat her like an adult. “What?! Are you mad? The bedside table on the counter? Seriously?) she’ll just rely “yes” as it’s a perfectly valid idea.
There are lots of other things but that happened a few days ago. But she is no good for career advice, emotional advice etc. I know she’s 80 but she is damn well not slipping away into herself on my watch. She’s not someone sitting in a chair waiting. Im not going to patronise her or pretend around her. But none of that’s working.