Do Unto Others

The teller reviewed my Power of Attorney, and handed over Mom’s bank statement. A quick scan told me that once I wrote checks to her cardiologist and the hospital, her remaining funds would be less than two hundred dollars. The time had come to help Mom apply for Medicaid. If she didn’t get Medicaid, she wouldn’t be able to cover the costs of further medical care. It was as simple as that.

I urged Mom to stay home that morning. She was a proud woman. Following my dad’s death, she had paid her own way for nearly 50 years. She had always done for others, and I knew having the tables turned would make her feel uncomfortable. Power of Attorney allowed me to help her save face.

I thought about all the times as a mother she had insured my safety and welfare without giving it a second thought. Although it made me a little sad it had come to this, I was glad I was around to help. I pulled out my mother’s checkbook and paid the bills, tucking them into envelopes.

This transaction meant the end of Mom’s financial independence. It was a bittersweet moment, but I was heartened, too, thinking back on all the things she had done for me.