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.