(((((((((((((bebop)))))))))))))

When they told us my mom didn't have but a day, at most - I grieved uncontrollably. She managed to survive that episode and live for 2 more years, then she did die. She had emphysema.

I grieved the first time and it was very hard to take. All through her illness, it was grief, hers included. She was scared, we were scared with and for her. Finally, she just gave up. The struggle overcame her and she just slipped to the other side.

We grieved again. Different? Yes. Hard? Yes again.

One thing an elderly friend told me was: Stand proud, you've loved your mother to her resting place. This is what children do. Do it, live it and carry it with you all your life. Experience all that happens and keep it in your heart.

I broke into tears but it helped - still does. Thinking of you.