I've been doing a lot of thinking about my Mother lately. She's almost 80 years old. And I'm afraid she may be showing signs of slipping into her last years. She's not well at all. She, of course, never complains. For most of her life, she was a Nursing Supervisor and will usually diagnose herself before seeing a doctor. So when she does see a doctor outside of her regular check-up, it's serious. She's been having excruciating headaches. She's always so in control that she hates for anyone to see her vulnerable and scared. When I think back to one of the best moments with my Mother, I think a warm hug with her hand stroking my hair. And having that 'all's right with the world' feeling. It may soon be time for me to gently hold her and stroke her hair.