Mom and Dad

I've talked to my mom every day since it happened. Since my grandfather/her father's death, we've all been a lot closer. It's been really nice

When it first happened, I wanted to protect my parents from the news. They were the first people I wanted to call but I also prepared myself for the call, for the freak out that was bound to happen. They would be shocked, hysterical, over-the-top upset. I need time to steel myself against the onslaught of emotions.
But it didn't come.
My dad answered the phone when I first called. He was happy to hear from me and was asking me how I was. This was before my first panic attack so I said I was fine. I wasn't lying.
"I have something I need to tell you. First, I'm ok. Just know that I'm ok. I was mugged last night"
Then comes the inevitable question, a different euphemism depending on the person.
Were you touched? Were you assaulted? Were you attacked?
No, I was very lucky. It could have gone so much worse.

My dad was very calm about everything. He is a retired police officer so he can go into police mode and find the details. He's seen it all and knows how bad it could get. He treads lightly and slowly with his questions and lets me tell it at my pace. He says he will tell mom when she gets back so she can be calm when she talks to me.

My mom is calm when we finally talk later in the day. She's been robbed, mugged and assaulted several times. She knows where I'm coming from and is really helpful to talk to. Except she expects me to react the same way she does. She gets angry immediately, I'm not there yet. I don't know if I will be. Right now I'm just kind of there.

When I call her the day after the panic attack, she listens to me relive it. She tells me not to be so hard on myself and give myself some time to get better. I didn't realize I was being hard on myself.
I am though. She's right.
When did the change happen that I realized how much valuable advice my mom had?

I'm so glad I have them to talk to. They are very comforting to me. I was so worried my news would break them but I'm strong because they are strong too. They have been so supportive without being condescending, without treating me like a child.
It's pretty amazing to realize you don't just love your parents, you actually really like them too.