I'm at that age, and my parents are at their ages, where our roles have reversed a bit. They go on vacation and I worry when they don't call in to say they made it safely. If any of you remember their Great Northwest Trip last year, you'll know how crazy I got. You simply don't go off plan with an OCD daughter.

Last week, with losing Snoopy and Poppy's health issues, was extremely stressful, and they decided the best thing to do was head for their mountain cabin. They left Sunday and I should have heard something Sunday night. Nothing. No call, no text, no smoke signals. So I figured they were just settling in and I'd call Monday. No answer on their cell phone. No answer, no calls Monday. No answer, no calls Tuesday. I'm getting really worried. These are narrow winding mountain roads with sharp dropoffs and asshole deer that like to play chicken. I decided to go Nuclear, and call the resort management company that handles their cabin and see if they checked in.

Carla informed me they arrived on time, checked in and haven't been seen or heard from since. More worries. I asked if she could send someone from housekeeping to check on them and she agreed that would be wise. Within 20 minutes I got an irate call from Mom.

"What is your problem? We're fine. I've never been so embarrassed...."

I was hoping they weren't nekkid and occupied when housekeeping showed up, you know?

I gently reminded her of all the times she worried about me, and told her it was my turn now. Then I reminded her of the last time she'd never been so embarrassed...

We were in Walmart and I lost her. I went up and down the aisles, checked the bathrooms, went out and checked the car, went back in and looked some more. Finally, I went to the customer service desk and informed the clerk that my mommy was lost. With a gentle smile and a glint in her eye, she made the announcement, "Will M. C. please come to the customer service desk. Your daughter is lost and waiting."

10 minutes later, my mom comes tear-assing into the customer service area, beet red, and grabs me by the arm. "Good Lord, I can't take you anywhere, I've never been so embarrassed....."

I was 25 at the time.