An actual conversation with my Mother last week. 

After a few minutes of casual chatter where we talk about my sisters, no one visiting her in a long time, her SSI benefits, her hip, no one visiting her in a long time, my sisters and her SSI benefits.

Me:  Ok, I need to tell you something and I want you to be calm about it.  Its not a big deal.

Mom:  Ok.  Just tell me what it is.  I’ll be calm.

Me:  I’ve been having some pretty serious health problems lately.  <a brief summary on my health>.  I’m a little scared but I think that I’m on the mend and feeling a little better.  <this is where I brace myself for the onslaught of love, worry and compassion that only a Mother can give>

Mom:  *silence*

Me:  Are you there?

Mom:  Yes, I’m here.  Did I tell you what happened to Iva last week?

(iva is my Mother’s friend of probably 40+ years)

Me:  Uh, no

Mom:  Well, she went up to Minnesota to see her grandchildren.  I told her not to go.  That she was not ready for that kind of trip. She has not been well you know.  She was in the hospital last month and you know the hospital here in Abilene.  They should not of let her go, she has not been feeling well ever since.  And I told her that she should go back up there and tell them she wants more tests done but she won’t do it.  Well, the kids called and they wanted her to come and visit them in Minnesota.  They come to Abilene and see her all the time and they just wanted to see her again but Jay couldnt get away.  He has a really good job with the goverment you know.  I told her not to go but she really wanted to be with her family.  I know what its like to be lonely.  Don’t get old Roxanne.  And don’t do it alone.  She made that drive up to Minnesota and sure enough as soon as she got there she was sick.  She was vomitting and dizzy the whole time she was there.  I told her to drink that Gatorade, it really helped me when I had the gout.  I think she was dehydrated but you know Iva, she won’t listen to me.  She just came home last week and she still doesnt feel any better.  I know what its like to be dehydrated, she needs to get some fluids in her.  Her kids sure do miss her.  They come to Abilene all the time to visit her.  I’m going to have Kenny take me to the grocery store to pick up some Gatorade for her.  That will help.  It sure helped me.

Me:  Really, well I hope she gets better.  Tell her I said hi.  Well, I guess I’ll let you go Mom.

Mom:  Ok, I’ll talk to you later.  I love you.