My mother has been in the hospital for the last week or so (this time around anyway), and i was there at 4 this morning because she finally passed. Painlessly, I think. I tell you all this because you are one of the most genuinely caring groups i know. My mother had many holes in her lungs (which restricted her quite a bit-although she still managed to get to the grocery store and what not). She passed away more or less how she wanted: her body, mind and money all gave out more or less at the same time (unlike many in the family).
So I guess I'm an "orphling' (Margaret O'Brien in "Meet Me in St. Louis"?)
If asked to say anything at the memorial service, my only words will be, "This is Mrs. Norman Maine." My mother (and maybe even Judy Garland) would get a kick out of it; I think.
Thank you all for just being there.