As son of an aging, only
mother, he replaces the social and support functions of the departed husband, i.e. his
dad. It involves listening to gossip from the beauty parlor, bridge club, and investment club about other
people kids, who is sick, and who has died. It also includes requests to “
fix” any technological device she has (computer, printer, smartphone - usually not broken, just misunderstood) as well as performing other routine chores around the house, e.g. replacing light bulbs and vent filter, mowing the yard, etc.