My Mom, living in Omaha and Phoenix with her husband Jack, was put in the hospital a few days ago. She'd been mentioning (but, as usual, downplaying) physical problems lately, and would NOT go see a doctor, so I had a private 'man-to-man' with Jack (we BOTH have to deal with her stubbornness), and he solved it by telling her they were going on a couple of errands, and instead drove her straight to the hospital emergency room. Since she has no energy, she couldn't storm off, but DID continue her 'I AM FINE!' routine. Pointless.

She was captive.

Well...NOW that she's IN there, AND they've begun tests, YES she should be there... since anemia, and two ulcers (so far) have been diagnosed! I told her I was GLAD Jack 'Hi-JACKED' her. She had to admit maybe it was a good idea.

'But there I was IN this hospital without even a toothbrush!' she announced.

I wasn't impressed. 'Did Jack go home and get all the stuff you wanted and needed?'

'Yes'.

'Then he handled it.'

'I guess so.'

'He handled it, and now you're there, and someone can help you!'

Jeez!!

You gotta talk tough with these OLD people.

I see what's going on. I've gotten some glimpses so far during MY own journey. Take ANYONE that has EVER had a sense of their own individuality, choice, and freedom... and keep sprinkling years on them. At some point we all slowly weaken, one way, or another, or in a quick sequence, (unless meeting a sudden and violent early end), and it's a harsh reminder not only of mortality, but perhaps more importantly, the loss of our Independence.

It's worse than when you were a kid and wanted to get out from under the control of your folks. At least you could see the light at the end of that tunnel... you WOULD grow up, you WOULD move out, and you would have ALL the responsibility your little personality could ever manage.

NO ONE ever imagines a curve built into the road of life...waiting up ahead... imperceptibly subtle, patiently laying there under foot, to slowly turn us one hundred and eighty degrees from our forward journey...back towards the beginning.

'Didn't we pass this rest stop before?'

'No. THAT was on the other side of the road.'