My Son Wants a Serious Conversation with Me

When visiting home during Christmas, my college son wants to sit down and have a serious conversation with me. This was a year after I retired early and started to focus on my personal interests.

He started: "Mom, what have you been doing since you have retired?"

Me: "Reading, taking online classes, volunteering, learning to play a music instrutment, cooking for your sister..... Any particular reason for asking?"

Son:" Have you noticed if you are functioning at lower capabilities lately?"

Me:" No!? I think I am more productive now, compared to when I was working. I am less stressed and focusing on the things I enjoy doing."

Son:"Ok. Maybe this is not the best way to bring it up. Has anybody ever mentioned to you, you have the old people smell? "

Me:" ?! ....... are you sure?"

Son: " Yes. It is a distinct smell, usually comes from old people. I have checked out every room and Dad. It only comes from you and your room."

Me: " !!!!! ..... !!!! " Sniffing my cloth. The Hell!!!! I don't smell anything! How long has he been ruminating over this?! Has anybody else noticed?

Son:"My sister said it started all of a sudden, one day."

He even discussed this with his sister?!!

It started all in one day? Suddenly, it strikes me.

Me: "Is it the smell of the moth balls?"

My cashmere sweaters were eaten up by the insects. I had to put some moth balls among my sweaters to keep the insects away.

Son: "What is that?"

I took a sweater from my closet and let him smell it.

He jumped up from his chair with a cheer, ran to his sister, gave her a huge hug and said, "Horay! Mom is NOT senile!"