Mortality

It's something we all need to face. Others do it easier than others. My family is a great one for not thinking about it until it's almost too late. I was forced to face it today by my own mother. She worries constantly that she will be a burden to someone, mostly me because I am her closest living relative. In actuality I've been very lucky because at 84 years old she still lives by herself, has a wonderful and supportive group of friends and does quite well managing for herself. Today, though she asked me to help her prepare a living will and a power of attorney for health care and financial decisions. This is something I don't take lightly but have immense respect for the fact that my mom is considerate enough of my feelings to put this down in writing. All too often when tragedy strikes we make lousy decisions because we don't have the time or energy to think clearly. I know I'm lucky that I haven't needed these things from my mom any earlier but the way I look at it at least she got it done before it was too late. The lesson I will take from this is to have this conversation with my own immediate family and make sure they know what I want should one of them have to make a decision on my behalf.