Chapter 15: One Voice

In this chapter, Liberman talks about various decisions that had to be made concerning his mother. Senior citizens as they age start losing their independence, and have to depend on their children a lot for the first time in their live probably, and it is probably going to be a challenge. Libermans mother got in a car accident, resulting in the decision of them selling her car and she was ecstatic to get rid of it deeming it was dangerous, however, she started to realize that her independence was slowly being surrendered. Afterwards his mother began to talk about her father and how his death changed her life, and she had never shared these things before. I believe that when something life changing happens to an elderly person they begin to realize that everything around them is going to change and they have to come terms with it. If you are married, you should take charge and responsibility for your parent and have one voice whenever you make a decision. I can imagine that if you and your spouse both were confronted separately by your parent and you each gave different answers there would indeed be problems created within the marriage. It would only make sense that it would be less stressful and more reasonable for you to deal with your family as the leader so that it would not interfere with your marriage. Liberman handles each situation in a patient, yet caring and stern at the same time. I admire the way he handled each situation and his tips are very helpful when it comes to dealing with an aging parent and everything that will and can be thrown at you to handle.As our parents age, we have to always be alert and ready at any moment to prepare for change and adjusting our lives.

Leslie-Ann Ellington