April, 2021
I never feared for my mother.
Through the death of my father.
Through the advanced breast cancer diagnosis a week later. Through the chemo.
Through the falls and snapped bones.
Through the inevitable continual decline in stature and health.
Until yesterday.
Why did I not worry? Part of it was that our relationship was complicated. More of it was a not-conscious recognition that her legendary stubbornness and general bullheadedness were manifestations of a tough defiant strength. Mom might be the on the lower end of the spectrum when it comes to self-starting, nimble, make-it-happen, going-places, etc. But, like a rock, she is strong, tough, immoveable, unbreakable. Fired from Wal-Mart because at 72 years old, she wouldn't stop confronting the 20-year old male shoplifters. Fearless.
Right?