Howard, Sorry to hear of your loss as well. My mom will be 87 in January, and hou are right, she wants to still fuss over me, but doesn't want to let me fuss over her in return. And, yet, they need that independence as long as they can have it. Sometimes I think that's what keeps them going. We lost dad in December 1999 and, although there is never going to be a good time for such a loss, I think it's especially difficult for the families. And, the holidays are always a bitter sweet reminder. My prayers go out for both you and butch and anyone else facing such tragic circumstances this time of year. Kris wb9slm