"There's not even a spot on the 2848 to give a reason that I can see. - I use the old fashion paper form for my clients. Am I missing something???"

Yes, you are missing the paragraph in the Form 2848 instructions that tell you for Line 5a, 

"Authorizing your representative. Check the box on line 5a authorizing your representative to sign your income tax return and include the following statement on the lines provided: "This power of attorney is being filed pursuant to 26 CFR 1.6012-1(a)(5), which requires a power of attorney to be attached to a return if a return is signed by an agent by reason of [enter the specific reason listed under (a), (b), or (c) under Authority to sign your return above]."