My Mother Would Be Dead Right Now

If she had stayed with my brother

Mom and Dad visiting me in Colorado shortly after I got married

My mother will be turning 83 next month. She lives with me, and I am really grateful for that these days as I am fighting cancer. Thanks to Mom being here, I’ve had help when I’ve needed it.

Not that I don’t have absolutely wonderful friends who have taken me for surgery and chemo and other doctor’s appointments. Mom doesn’t drive anymore and so it’s been up to them to take care of that.

I’ve also had friends do stuff around the house for me, bring me food, etc.

But Mom takes care of so much of the day-to-day stuff. She helped me get my clothes on and shower after my brain surgery. She cooks meals for me when I am too tired to stand. She feeds the cat and waters my plants. She listens to me, makes me coffee, does the laundry, and gives me hugs and a shoulder to cry on.

Mom has helped me so much, but, 12 years ago, it was I that helped her.

Not just me, though. My ex-husband as well.

For all the hurt he caused me, he also did a lot of good.

One of the best things he did — he helped me save my mother’s life.

After my father died, my mother begged to be allowed to stay in the house she had shared with my father. The problem? My Dad…