My mother died a couple of years ago, August 1. I have yet to sit down with her ashes and have a good talk. How well you take care of her relieves you of guilt. That’s the key from all of this. And then there is the feeling that she was the whole point. There is really only your mother, father, and siblings, who love you. Family is everything. When I lost my mother, I just started circling my own drain. She knew me better than anyone. I miss her. I wish she didn’t have such a horrible life, but I am beginning to feel the same helplessness, especially with the political backdrop and threat to social security. I cannot imagine how anyone could believe they are better than another person and would be willing to sacrifice another person. My mother died in front of me. She told me she never wanted to die alone like her mother did. She had waited for me that day despite that she could barely breathe. I felt bad. There were times when I stayed away because my job depressed me and not being able to help her depressed me too. Life is a short run with reminders everywhere. Maybe I know a little of what you are feeling. I am proud of you. I love you for you are a person, who cares for someone other than yourself. That’s the secret we keep.