I did it on Aug 28, 2001. My mother called me at work and advised the oncologist said the radiation hadn't worked and she had a month to live. She asked if I could come down there (800 miles away) to spend her final days with her. I didn't even hesitate to say yes. I took an unpaid leave of absence, my husband watched my then 3 & 5 year old children and I flew down. I couldn't understand why she wanted ME there. She had 2 other children that she was much "nicer" to. Why me??? And why did I say yes. I felt honored to have her ask me. I took care of her 24/7 with love and compassion. I never once thought of the "old" days as I was tending to her needs. Several days before her death while she was still lucid she said "Dee Dee I am so sorry for everything". I told her it was ok, not to worry about, and tried to keep her comfortable for 3 more days. Hard as the dickens? You bet. Did I forgive her? Probably not. But she needed ME, and I was happy to help.

Take care,
Dee