I'm beginning to think about my mother and brother (thanks PDdaughter for reminding me there are others in my life that need my support). My mother lives in an apartment in Texas, and has daily assistance, and my sister checks in on her every day. She will be 87 next month. She worked as a bartender while I was growing up, and slept days and worked nights. I only saw her after school, while she was getting ready for work, and on her days off. I am very close to my mother, but it is a unique relationship. I remember coming home from school with a problem (teacher, girl, etc.), and she would pour me a shot of milk, wipe off the breakfast counter, and listen to my woes. She gave great advice. I could talk to her about anything. There were four kids in my family (I'm the youngest), and we never had a babysiiter by the time I started school. We had complete independence, and thankfully, that's what helped me to learn to be responsible (not so much now). I never wanted to disappoint my mother or embasrrass her. She gave me her trust. That meant everything to me. The times I did mess up (more than I want to admit), she was understanding, but firm. She was very beautiful. Here's photo's of my dad and mom under "Tom and Sally Baxter". My mom and dad divorced when I was two, so I never knew him too well. http://www.johnbaxter.com/dorabelle/gallery/ My brother is the oldest, and I adored him (still do). He never excluded me and was generous and supportive. My brother is in a nursing home in Georgia. He had a stroke about the time my daughter was diagnosed with cancer. I haven't been able to see him since I was taking care of my daughter. I plan on going to see him and my mother this spring.