One of the things that bothers me about the situation is that she has a broken back, high level of pain, and is on pain-killers.I've seen medications turn elderly people into completely different Mr. Hydes from the kindly Dr. Jekyll one thought one knew.

Perhaps some day I'll mention it, but I honestly think the best thing -- for right now -- is to let her recover and for me to develop enough self-honesty to handle such things when they come up.

Something similar happened with another friend -- er, former friend. Thought I had my rap all down about her judgmental letter was unacceptable -- but I wound up exploding on the phone, despite my rehearsals, receivers slammed down on both ends, and we haven't talked since.