The term Tiger Mom was coined some time ago to define a mom who fights hard for her children. Yesterday, I was a Tiger Daughter--a women who fights hard for her parents. I took the time to find my 90+ parents an appointment for their COVID Booster shot. We readied for the appointment and upon arrival, we learned that the pharmacy did not have the boosters. What?
To get there took a lot of preparation and navigation--it was not a simple matter, and to explain to my parents that they could not get their booster as planned took additional effort and patience. To get another appointment was not a simple matter given all the preparation and navigation needed to make it happen. I became the Tiger Daughter when I said in a strong voice, "You've got to find us another appointment!" and when I finally convinced another local pharmacy worker to fit them into the day's agenda. Once we had the new appointment, I calmed down and apologized for my zealous plea for an appointment. Mom and Dad got their boosters and we all relaxed.
Perhaps Tiger Daughter or Tiger Son will become a new phrase in society today as so many of us care for our elderly parents. It is not a perfect world for the elderly and in many ways we are charting new paths as our parents live longer than in the past and endure a variety of challenges that we're not totally prepared for. Time will tell.