How to make a memorable exit
My mother in law lost her battle with breast cancer yesterday. She left my life much the way she entered it - in a way I will never forget. The day I met her, I knew I was in for a challenge. She knew I collected carnival glass. Our first conversation started with her asking me "You don't collect that ugly iridescent purple stuff do you?" Why, yes, I do. Sigh. Our relationship was like that for a long time. Then something happened. I gave her her first grandchildren. My standing improved in her eyes. We continued in a friendly way for several years, though it was clear we didn't understand each other. Then, again, several important events happened. Her husband developed Alzheimer's Disease. That was a horrible time. Shortly thereafter she was diagnosed with breast cancer. All of our worlds turned upside down. We helped her find help for her husband and then concentrated on helping her. After months of hell, the old Ruth started to ...