March 5, 2010 - The beginning of the end...

My wife lost two of her aunts this week. One, named Lula, was one hundred and three, and 6 months old. The other, Frieda, was 96 years old. We are glad that we took the time to go to the family reunions and as a result, were able to get to know both of them. Lula's philosophy was the one I hope to live by, even just starting at my age. It was simple, and powerful - If you have a problem in lfe, deal with it, and move on. During her lifetime, she buried one husband and three children. She lived alone on her farm until the age of 101.

I am in the process of cleaning out my mother's apartment. It is not a task that I find enjoyable, but there is no one else to do it. So I am, with help from my wife.

Mother broke her hip, had surgery, and is currently in rehab. From there, she will go right into a nursing home. The fact she is still alive while I go about disposing of her past life is disconcerting. I feel as if I am stealing things, and destroying those things I cannot keep with me, or pass out to the family. It would be easier, I suppose, if she had passed away. Perhaps then I would not feel like I am intruding on her or her space.

Also, a word of advice to all. Make sure your children have the following documents available to them for when they need them. The documents are - A will, a Living Will, and a Power of Attorney document. If these are not available, it makes trying to do what is necessary a real nightmare.