((((Sky King)))). I'm so sorry about your mom. And hugs to anyone, most especially Mimi, who has or is facing end of life issues.

Like I said, the New Yorker piece has provided me much food for thought, not the least of which is what role, if any, I should play in helping a loved one dealing with a terminal illness one way or another with end-of-life issues. We are so conditioned to support the "fight" against cancer (as a for instance) and to remain positive and hopeful. It often seems terribly insensitive to even hint at anything but success or to discuss the possibility/inevitability of death in anything but the most abstract of ways. But as the article so eloquently points out, there are other discussions worth having, discussions that medical professionals aren't always initiating or facilitating. How can we lovingly and sensitively broach these subjects with someone? I feel inadequate when it comes to truly helping someone, beyond the usual "you're in my thoughts and prayers."