You speak great truths, Dolly.
My mom was in the hospital less than a week when she died. My sister said the hardest thing she had to do was to take mom into the hospital, knowing that she would probably not come out. Mom suspected that as well, and cried softly on her way to the hospital. (I choke up just thinking about it....)
The legacy our mothers left behind will continue to give us strength and courage as we face the world. They left this place so much better for the rest of us. You can't measure that.
Sis's big consern was that 'we boys' do something for mom on Mother's day.
So we will. My brother will be up at 0-dark-thirty to drive out to pick me up, drive down to pick Mom up, drive back up to the little church that Mom favors. My poor brother will spend most of his day tomorrow driving.
But we'll take her to church. And I will appreciate every moment of it. Even if she gets a little confused.
Because I don't have that many more Mother's Days left.
My daughters, of course, will call me and wish me a happy mother's day. They do every year, in a military kind of way.
And my brother assures me that he carries a fire extinguisher in case something untoward happens when I step into a church in a suit and tie.
/johnny