Sunday 01.10.16

As I reflect upon my impending 64th birthday celebration, I am also reflecting on the needs of my aging parents.  I am blessed to have both of my parents still alive, but cursed with the reality that I am rendered powerless to help them with their daily living needs and remain safe in their home.  I know that I am not the first person to experience this situation, nor will I be the last. 

My faith tells me that every life situation we experience girds you with the strength and knowledge to face the next, but somehow I feel totally unprepared for the days, weeks and months ahead. My parents are strong-willed individuals, which has sustained each of them through grave medical situations.  However we are now dealing with diminished cognitive abilities to make good decisions for their well-being and what are the next steps for my first family.

As my generation continues to celebrate our birthdays, we need to reflect upon our own impending aging to ensure that we have do not inflict addition pain upon our children, should we be rendered incapable of making sound decisions for our own well-being.  Have those hard conversations to instill trust and then take the necessary steps to draw up legal documents.  In doing so you will demonstrate love and trust instead of pain and frustration.

It's a new year, with new goals - please make this a priority for your own family.