She awoke ecstatic to see us after rushing to the hospital from our Christmas cruise. The e-mails were candid, ‘Mom in hospital. Home can’t deal with outbursts and rudeness!’

This was inevitable after three strokes and a heart attack. Facilities for Alzheimer patients? Good luck! Mortal health and emotional complications, copious drugs, delusional dreams, faltering hope. Widowed at forty, six children and no job; she was resolute. Family dismantled, suicide for one, alcohol another, and a breakdown for her; she persevered.

She heard her husband calling. Her last request was for dignity. All was removed.

She smiled, then let go.