I am so thankful. The big man upstairs has put together potentially two good weeks for me!

I have watched my Mom and Dad, affectionately known as Memama and Pepa to most, as they have begun on the accelerated aging scale. Pepa more so than Memama. In some instances it is sad, primarily when they discover they can no longer do something they have done regularly. But you can almost bet that most instances will be funny. Especially their vocal interchanges. They have their own little language and you have to really pay attention to keep up.

Pat often talks about the roll reversal.

Ironically, Pepa continues to rely on Memama, as he has the majority of their married life of sixty years. It is quite alarming that he seems to think she has the size and strength to help him when he needs a little push or pull. Obviously he does not see himself as the "big" man he is. I think many of the grandchildren who have not seen them in a while will be surprised at the degression.

Probably the most tell tale sign of the process is Pepa relinquishing the driving duties to Memama.

Law enforcement please skip to the next paragraph. Memama doesn't even have a driver's license as I type this. A year ago she went in to renew her license and found that a new law requires a persons birth certificate, their social security card and their driver's license to mirror each other. There was a typo on Memama's birth certificate which prevented her from getting her license renewal until she waded through the correction process. Pat and Memama corresponded with the Bureau of Vital Statistics and had to gather all sorts of information, an affidavit from her oldest living relative, an affidavit from her oldest living off-spring and copies of all her identities. Simply stated, my Mother was and continues to be a fugitive from the law. Just kidding. Actually the identity problem is solved and she possesses all the paperwork that would allow her to renew her license but she is leery of the eye test. He eye doctor in Dallas has told her he sees no reason she can't pass the eye test, but if she were to fail to call his office and he will send his test results. It seems that grey or overcast days affect Memama's eyesight more than anything.

We have begun preparation for their anniversary celebration which is to take place February 20th at their home. By preparations have begun I mean we are talking about it. We are confident it will all come together because we are a multi faceted family with a broad array of skills and talents.

Well, I had better get before I grow old.

Have a day!

FATHER, thank YOU for being so patient in our aging and education.