You know my niche, so to speak, is the elderly. Often, they come to see me because a well-intentioned son or daughter thinks they're depressed. Sometimes they are and therapy with another 'senior' and some meds might help.

Other times, they're not depressed. They're just done and ready to go, often wondering why they're still here. I don't try to talk them out of it. It seems like a natural stage of development to me.

With all that's gone on with me these past months, I've realized I definitely don't want to keep on if it would mean one illness after another, one hospitalization after another, one intolerable loss of function and independence after another.

I don't know your dad and I know this is hard for you and Paul. Just listen and really hear him. Then, stand by him.