Q: Trying to steer my wife's parents into a serious conversation about their future is like pulling teeth without Novocain! Both are in denial about their need to cope and function in their home. As an example, her dad recently called 911 for her mother who had suffered a small stroke. She was released two weeks later from the hospital. Her dad is doing the caretaking. Even well before the stroke, my wife and I have been trying to encourage them to sell their home and move. Dad retorted that if we don't get off their back about selling their home, they would consider changing their will and giving all of their assets to their church.

We all love each other, but how can we find a way to ease them into reality?

A: How many seniors do we know who want to move away from family, friends and their religious affiliation, give up their independence, and lose their mobility? But the bottom line is your love and concern for their safety.

Approach them with the fact that her mother's recent hospitalization is an indicator of what may lie ahead. Meet with their doctor and ask for his help. Discuss the advantages of being in a place they can be monitored and have emergency personnel available on a 24-hour basis. Remind them that it is not always possible for you to help out immediately.

Turning yourselves from being their children to assuming the responsibility of being their parents is a challenge, and it often brings many tears. However, because older parents need love, help, attention and guidance, you are now called to duty. What they did for you is now your responsibility. Tour some facilities soon!

Q: Last month my mother died. She was the last of her generation. We have been going through her possessions and are enjoying looking at the photo albums, remembering the good times, the weddings, the blessings of the newborns and holiday celebrations.

Although we are able to identify many of those pictured, there are many we cannot. Are there some sources that could be helpful?

A: Genealogical information research is becoming more productive, and companies such as Google are on the hunt for techniques that will make it even easier. For example, these companies are hopeful that if a single photo is available, that photo can be sourced for information from old newspapers; wedding albums; military, school and medical records; and employment history.

Obviously, with camera phones, the future looks brighter for genealogical searches. Until these techniques become available, however, take care of your existing photos.

Duplicate the old ones on acid-free paper. Make them easier to be viewed and distributed to family members. Write available information on the back of the photos (a search of military records and dog tags, long lost cousins, home mortgage paperwork, school, church and other sources can reveal missing data).

Luckily, in most families, you usually can find one member who has a passion for genealogy. Offer them your full support. Sharing the information is a worthwhile goal!

Doug Mayberry makes the most of life in a Southern California Retirement community. Contact him at deardoug@msn.com. To find out more about Doug Mayberry and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.