You think your parents will be around forever.

My dad especially seemed indestructible. As kids he was the one when we went to the beach who carried everything, put up the umbrella so not even a southerly buster would dislodge it, lifted us over the waves and then when we fell asleep on the long drive home, carried us inside without even waking us up.

More than 50 years had passed since then, but Dad still body surfed until only recently, well into his eighties.

His life moved a bit slower, but he still maintained his own place including growing the best roses in the retirement village. He still drove and kept fit bike-riding and swimming laps.