Aging Parents - When is it time to be a parent to your parents?

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There will come a time, sooner than we wish, when our parents need us, not as their children, but as their caretakers. My time is coming nearer, day-by-day. My parents are in their mid-seventies, and still live in the house they built a few years ago. They are, for the most part, healthy and active in their community. But I see things, small things, that trouble me tremendously. Fading memory, slower reflexes. Dimishing driving skills. Very subtle, but still present. At forty three years young, I find it so difficult to accept the fact that I see my parents needing my help with things that in past years I would have never thought twice about. But the time is coming, and without any way that I can stop it. And it has already began, just ever so slightly. I play taxi driver for my folks whenever necessary. I feed their animals when needed. My sons help with the yard care (20 acres), and other chores around the house. There are times when I think about what I know what will eventually come, and it saddens me to my core. I am prepared to pay their bills, take them to appointments they may have, or whatever I'm needed for. I am a mother of three, two who are still in school. I work 6 days a week; and it is oh-so-hard some days. But I will perservere. They raised me, feed me, clothed me, scolded me, and when the time comes, I will return the favor. Are you ready to be the parent for your parents? I really need some feedback here, so I know that I am not alone. Thanks and Warm hugs!