I have spent the past forty-five minutes in tears.  There is a program, on PBS, dealing with caregivers and the family member for whom they provide care.  I am passionate about issues which face caregivers.  I was one...full-time...for nine years.

The first round of tears came during the following scene:
    An elderly gentleman is sitting on a exam table in the doctor's office.  He is flanked by his wife and one of his daughters.  The doctor is asking if there has been any more decline in his memory.  The gentleman shakes his head and responds, "No".  Meanwhile wife and daughter (just out of his range of vision) are nodding a vigorous, but silent, "YES!"  Next, the following exchange:

Doctor:  The last time we talked you had decided not to drive anymore.  Is that still the case?

Gentleman:  Yeah, I didn't get my license renewed...*pause*...but I think I'll do that.
          ****wife and daughter shaking head, "no"*****

Doctor:  I don't think that will be a good idea.

Gentleman:  What are you basing that on? *question asked quietly and respectfully*

Doctor:  The changes that you are having with your memory makes in harder to drive.  The possibility becomes greater that you may get lost on your way back home. *the doctor also covered several other points.  The gentleman pauses several seconds before responding.  When he does respond his voice is subdued...

Gentleman:  "Do you know what that does to a person?"  *this is when the tears started*  

I have had that conversation with a loved one.  Man, that was hard!  

One doctor on the show made the following comment:  "The single greatest predictor for a parent NOT having to spend any time in a nursing home is...if they have a daughter."

***I may have to come back and edit this entry some later...not totally sure it's making complete sense..."