Looking for Answers

I started down a new road back in September and find it continues to be full of bends and curves. Sometimes I appreciate the fact that I can not see around the corner and other times a warning would be helpful. Though my paternal grandfather lived to be ninety-five years old, and my father eventually became Power of Attorney over his estate, I was far enough removed and paid little attention to what my father was dealing with. Besides, it was none of my business.

Now I find myself in a position of being "somewhat" responsible for the state of my mother's affairs. I have enough knowledge to keep me awake at night, but little actual ability to control her finances. I am not sure I yet possess the ability to completely take over if she were to need me in that capacity, nor do I know how to help her realize the areas where she needs help now. I find there is much I know little about. If only it were easy to sit down and discuss all the issues...

There are many others in the world who have found themselves in this same spot. In some ways it is like being in another country where all is foreign and the language little understood. I want to be prepared and I am looking for advice, but I am not quite sure who to ask or where to turn. There are health concerns, insurance issues, and financial accounts. Each comes with its own set of terms, which need to be learned and understood, and that only once they are known to exist. Yes, the road is almost completely unknown and my steps are guarded. One day I will be able to look back and recall much of the journey, but today I walk in fear and trepidation knowing only there is no turning back.