The beginning of the end

Five minutes ago I received a call from my mother that my grandmother has suffered a massive stroke. She is on life support, to whatever degree that means anything at all when you're nearly 92.

I'm devastated. Simply distraught and devastated and trying to get my bearings in this all, because it's always a surprise. Even when it's not entirely a surprise at all.

Thalia, seeing me sobbing on the phone raced over and said, you're the best mommy I ever had, her stock line for making me smile. She has a knack for that.

Just like her great-grandmother.

Momsie, wherever your spirit is right now, I hope it's dancing.

And I hope that this ends quickly and quietly without much fuss. It's not like you to let us make too much of a fuss over you.