1JOAN1

Independence. What a complex word! It signifies so much that even our great country celebrates a holiday called Independence Day.

Our children become a bit more independent today than they were the day before. Most of us seek solitude or activities that scream of independence. We love being able to do what we want, where we want, when we want! And then, piece by piece our independence is taken from us. Maybe it's a controlling spouse, or a boss who micro-manages, or a disease that chips away at us. Or, maybe it's this dreaded mind game called Alzheimer's.

Eight weeks ago Mother's doctors told her that for every one's safety she should give up her driver's license. The doctors had a strong sense that it was no longer safe for Joan to drive. We went one step further and attended OSU Rehabilitation services driving center to see if she had the faculty to drive her car. After a couple hours of testing, the therapist found that Mother did not have enough memory of street signs, other street icons or the ability to react quickly in case of a sudden turn of road events.

That day began her grieving period. She loved her car and was very proud of her ability to drive almost accident free since she got her license in 1954. Only one speeding ticket and a questionable accident that ended as a no-fault claim. What she loved even more than her care is her love of being independent and being able to drive whenever and where ever she wants to. Now she needs to rely on someone else to transport her.

There's only one good thing I can say about this, and that is that Joan's car found a buyer who will take car of her precious possession. Yesterday we delivered "it" to its new home. As Mother passed by and looked into her car and lovingly petted it one more time, she began to cry. I suppose partly because she was giving up her beautiful blue baby ION, but more than likely because this non-forgiving disease was once again chipping away at the independence she has so jealously guarded throughout her life.