It's been a long time since I've posted here. Almost every day I have an idea for a post so by now, by all rights, this blog should be a pretty thick book. I could make up all kinds of excuses why I haven't written any posts, but suffice it to say other things took priority.

Mom is the main priority. Much has happened since September. It began with a visit from Aunt Pat. That's Mom's sister and she lives in California. She came out with her daughter for a whirlwind visit at the end of September. They were here for an evening and part of a day.

At the time, I was hoping they would come because it seemed like Mom was not going to be here much longer. She had gotten pretty despondent and unresponsive. She had occasional good days, but they seemed few and far between. So Pat and Jeanette made the long haul across country to come to the woods for a visit.

Even though they flew, it was still an ordeal. Hours from California to Chicago; an overnight with son then back on the plane from Chicago to Minneapolis. Next a three hour car ride up to Emily. Fortunately the trees were turning a bit so it was a beautiful drive. Nevertheless, when you are up in years, such a trip can be grueling. Thank goodness Jeanette came as guide, companion, chauffeur and blessed daughter!

Fortunately, it was worth it on both ends. They enjoyed the visit and we enjoyed their company. It took Pat a couple of weeks to recover, but her sacrifice gave Mom new life. It is now December and Mom has consistently had more good days than she's had in over a year. She still doesn't hold conversations much, but she seems considerably more connected now, since her sister's visit, than before.

Pat's visit sparked something in Mom. All the stories from their growing up years were so good to hear. Even when it seemed she was sleeping, Mom was listening and if Pat said something funny Mom laughed. That was like water in the desert. I hadn't heard her laugh in such a long time. She giggled and chuckled. There was light and life in her eyes again.

Mom will not be doing any more traveling; at least not long distances. Trips to the doctor or dentist are about all she can manage these days. I hoped that she would be able to see her sister at least once more in this lifetime. Pat and Jeanette made it happen. I'm so grateful to them for that.

Chances are that none of us realize the impact we may have on another person. Sometimes it's just someone's presence or a word of encouragement or a smile that's needed to turn a situation around.

There are many things to share with you about my journey with Mom. I have a lot of catching up to do. But here's a thought. Dr. Seuss once said, "To the world you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the world." Keep that in mind next time you consider visiting someone teetering on the edge of whatever their cliff may be.