Age no longer mattered as I watched and waited while my husband disappeared into the desert of dementia. I had to keep living while this happened and the realities set in.

Do you think you know your family and friends? This is when you really find out. There are legalities to be considered, and what you thought was within your vows suddenly become non-existent.

Blended families are an added burden to the legalities. If I looked at people as separate persons before, I really do now. Do we know how much of the responsibility for ourselves is unconsciously handed over to our...