I’m sure I’m not the only spouse who’s experienced the seemingly endless, tragic, incredibly sad progression of a parent or parent-in-law from independent, proud, self-sufficient adult to ill, weak, dependent, burdensome, and demoralized custodial care resident. My husband is gone, for the second time this year, across the country to nurse and now, take care of the affairs of, his once brilliant and now very compromised father. The cost to him, his siblings, his mother (divorced from his dad) and our family is incredible. This process is one that reminds me of the inherent frailty in all of us. You can be a Princeton graduate, an Harvard MBA grad, a recognized business and civic leader, and still be leveled in a matter of years by disease, addiction, and age. It really emphasizes, for me, the importance of valuing my life, the relationships that matter, and of being kind to my friends and family, despite momentary stresses and conflicts. As my wise graduate advisor says “You’ll never be on your deathbed saying ‘I wish I’d spent more time in the lab.’” Hug your kids and call your friends.