Oh msbelle, I hope things get easier. I totally know what you mean about having to ask, and resenting the asking.

msbelle, I'm so sorry.

I've got so much admiration for you guys who live close (or far) and have good understanding/connection with your parents. I started to write a Whipple rest of a thing and erased it because broken record. Buffista island sounds good.

Sparky, I hope K had an awesome bday yesterday!

Oh msbelle, I am so sorry. Life has been emotionally exhausting for you for a long time. If you weren't weary and resentful on some level it would be because you were burying your emotions and that would not be healthy either.

I have no complaints about either of our families. Totally hit the jackpot with my mom. We live a couple hours away which works well enough. With mom turning 93 this summer it is for me not at all an option to be further away.

She goes back north for the summer tomorrow and I will follow shortly. When we are in Otter Lake she is right next door and I see her many times a day. It is an essential opportunity for me right now. We lived apart for many years when I was younger.

I know I haven't really talked about it, but this summer may be her last. Her heart valves are not good. The cardiologist says it is just old age and nothing can be done. She sleeps much of time and has no stamina at all. Her mind is about perfect and I noticed the last few visits that she is teaching her husband about things like paying the bills. She taught him to cook and do laundry and such the last last few years. She knows how to read a calendar and is content. She has told us that she has much more she would like to do, but she has lived a a whole lot longer than she ever imagined possible. In her immediate family the longest life was 42 years.

And now that I unexpectedly poured all that out I am going to go cry in the shower!

That's so hard, Laura.

Heart valves is what got my Mom in the end.

Now I wish I'd followed my instinct and moved closer when I was out of a job. LE SIGH

Aw, Laura. I am glad you are able to spend time with her.

We are all concerned for her making the 1700 mile trek to NY, but she has refused to fly for years. Probably a good plan with all the airplane germs! She hasn't driven in a decade or more, but even so the road trip is exhausting. Not much we can do about that. The sibs don't think she is ready, but I don't see her being more ready. NY is home even after 35 years in Florida and she needs to be there.

{{Theo}} I remember your trips to see her as she was failing. Your love and concern was evident to all and I am confident it was to her as well.

Unrelatedly::

(1) once again my outfit has no pockets, but I am adding a belt for my phone holster. I think it's ok.

(2) probably the rabbit who just pushed their auxiliary food dish down two ramps should be named Lucy. Too bad I still can't really tell which is which.

I am envious of people who have blood family they love and who love them back.

I have boatloads of problems, but at least my family has rarely been the emotional cause of them.