A life span

Have you ever seen your mother choking for breath? I did today. She had a biopsy taken of some stuff in her lungs. When she returned from the procedure, she came in gagging and coughing. It was a mid-week medical drama unfolding before my eyes! If I hadn't forgotten it was my mother in that condition, I would have fainted! Six or seven people packed that room, working as a team to help her breathe. After she caught her breath, she asked if they had water-boarded her! My mother, the comedian! She's 88 and what's that word we use to describe older but still vital old folks? Oh yes, spry! Too weak! My mother is crusty!

When you're the person who is 60, you have to face your own mortality. If your mother is 88, then what? Who wants to see a mother --sorry, can't say it--see a mother go away? What will I do without her?

I took Mother a copy of "Eight Cousins" by Louisia May Alcott, my favorite book in the sixth grade so she could read in the hospital (after she recovers from the waterboard torture). That was the first romantic book I ever read--and one of the only ones, too. There are eight cousins--four girls and four boys (if I remember correctly). Back in that day, first cousins were allowed to marry. It's a sweet story. Mother will like it!

Addendum: Mother thought "Eight Cousins" was just OK. The book she has most enjoyed from my school library is Newbery winner, "Daughter of the Mountains" by Louise S. Rankin. She never rereads books, but she did that one. 

Here's a link to reviews of the book. Mother is not the only one to like it!

http://www.amazon.com/Daughter-Mountains-Newbery-Library-Puffin/product-reviews/0140363351