In a message dated 01/27/2000 8:31:41 AM Eastern Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

<< h, the simplest things are the best, even better than a Dr. Pepper.
 I hope things go well with your Moms  tests and outcome.  Look at it as being
 given the gift of time.  We so often get so busy with life and think our
 loves ones will never leave us that we keep butting off telling them what is
 in our hearts.  You have been given this opportunity to smell the roses and I
 know you'll take advantage of it.
 Many cyber hugs from here to you.
  >>

Thanks Joanne.  You are very kind.  I'm sure that everything will go well,
but I'm also  aware that this is a transitory existence.  Mom wants to talk
about funeral arrangements right now and I'm listening.  I know she is afraid
and I don't want her to feel isolated with her thoughts.

If she dies (or...well, you know.."when"), I am delivering the eulogy.  I
like the idea of celebrating a person's life at the end, especially if
they've lived a good long one.  I also want people to walk away from the
funeral feeling positive.  I don't want it to be a morose, negative
experience.  That's what I want for myself when I shuffle off the mortal
coils.

Sounds like I'm shedding, dudn't it?