Uncanny timing for this thread. My mother died last Friday and will be buried tomorrow. My wife and I had planned a visit in early Sept. to give my stepdad a little break from her care (she was in a skilled nursing facility but he visited her for at least two meals a day and usually all three). As luck would have it, we received a call that he had fallen and broken his hip, so we moved our visit ahead and thus were able to start him on his recuperation and visit with mom.

Although mom lived much of the last six months in the distant past, she always recognized me and seemed happy to see me. Although I doubt that everything that needs be said between two people ever does, we had probably come pretty close to that ideal and her death, while sad for those of us remaining, was really a blessing due to the poor prognosis for any real recovery.

Mom would often brook no argument about her pronouncements, no matter how ridiculous, but she was also one of the most generous and loving people I've ever known. I started missing her six months ago when her mind started going, but the pain is especially intense now that she's physically gone as well.

Thanks to all of you who have posted to this thread. The feelings expressed have greatly helped me. I'll be setting my tracer on it, and will probably refer to it frequently as a source of comfort and inspiration.