I’ve been sick with a miserable cold for 10 days now. Last night was another low sleep night and I coughed so hard my muscles were in spasm. In the morning I wandered back into the master bedroom and climbed into bed with my wife as she read the paper. She said, “poor guy” and commiserated with me. She asked if I wanted some hot tea which I jumped at. A few minutes later my tea arrived so hot I couldn’t drink it so I held it in my hands as I nodded off to sleep. A few minutes later I woke up and excitedly took a sip. It was horrible and tasted like I was drinking an ashtray.

As I enjoyed a beautiful Saturday afternoon on my patio, I read a book set in Berlin before and after World War II. One of the things about a good book is that it can cause us to reflect upon our own life and decisions. What would I have done in the same circumstances? Regarding the Nazis a character stated, “perhaps the worst thing was the indoctrination of an entire generation (of young), separating them from their families, turning them against their parents, subverting their morals.  It’s evil, and we will all reap the consequences.” This powerful observation caused me to reflect and connect as it seemed familiar.

Like many of you, I have an aged parent that I look after.  My Mother is still quite independent but occasionally does need help.  What has stunned me as she has grown older is the number of people looking to take advantage of the elderly.