President Obama spoke loudly and clearly to seniors during his health care reform speech: He promised not to mess with Medicare. My mom was listening. So was I.

Over the past few months, Mom has been glued by the television during this contentious debate over how to improve the country’s health care system. She was ready for last night’s long-anticipated message, deciding early in the day which network to watch and making sure there would be no personal interruptions. She then looked at it without distraction. So did I.

It is obvious that at nearly 80-years-old my Mom, who has a few health issues, needs Medicare, and supplemental insurance. We all need health insurance. My Mom is concerned about how the proposals may affect her, and so are my sisters and me. On top of that, I’m trying to figure out how any changes would affect my teenage daughter and me.

 When the President’s speech was over, my Mom and I talked about her reaction. It was a good speech, she said, but “it’s all kind of confusing.” I think that’s how many people are feeling about this matter.

I’m going to create my own class, Health Care Reform 101, and study everything I can as this issue continues to unfold. I’ll also be listening to critics and supporters alike. Too much is at stake.

What are you doing to make sure your family isn’t left behind on this issue?

Related posts:

1. Health care reform 101, continued
2. What has been unleashed?
3. The fight continues
4. Don’t procrastinate, take care of your will
5. Steadying myself and praying for my mother’s health