This is the Moth Radio Hour.

I'm your host, Jay Allison.

As all of us grow up, our relationships with our parents shift. We begin to see more

clearly, or at least we think we do, who they are as people. We become their peers or eventually

their caretakers, sometimes even in adulthood. We still want our parents to take care of us.

And their selflessness takes

on a new meaning. In this episode, the ways our perceptions of our parents change throughout

our lives. Our first story comes from Steve Glickman, who told this at one of our

open mic story slams in Chicago, where we partner with public radio station

WBEZ, a note that this story contains references to sex. Here's Steve, live at the Moth.

Around a year ago, I moved back in with my parents.

The occasion was that my mom had a nervous breakdown because she was overwhelmed, caring for my dad who has dementia.

Family crisis, gay son with no kids, to the rescue. That's me.

My parents live in the suburbs about an hour from where I live in the city with my partner, Mark.

I pack a bag and I move into their spare bedroom.

That first night was weird.

Lying on their futon, staring at the ceiling, I wondered, how did they get so old?

And how long can I do this for?

Like, I love my parents, but they can drive me crazy sometimes.

Living with them, I quickly see how bad my dad's dementia. but they can drive me crazy sometimes.

Living with them, I quickly see how bad my dad's dementia has become.

His short-term memory is shot.

...