The trials and tribulations

I'm back from Wisconsin after passing the torch to my sister.  A sister, unfairly guilted, arriving 3 hours later on the doorstep of her parents.  Watching parents who were once vibrant, independent, and active, change into a scared and worried couple reaching out to the threads of family which have been worn thin.  A couple, fighting fiercely, to keep the independence they once had...only to tire into dependency.  Arriving home...to a tired wife, who missed her husband and kept the household going.  Yes, getting older has aches and pains, but pale to the trials and tribulations of those around us.