New Chapter

I glanced at my mom, who had just gotten off the phone, and instantly I knew something was not ok.
"Mom, what is wrong?" I asked.  After a long, deep breath, she responded with a faint, "nothing, Jo...please...it's nothing."  She didn't cry, but she froze.  Still as day.  And I pressed on, and on, an on...

It's a double edge sword when you have the kind of relationship my mom and I share.  Boundaries are rare and secrets can't be kept for long, no matter how hard either of us try.

"Jo, I am sick...really sick."  And so, a new chapter begins.

Several weeks ago, my mom was diagnosed with Cadasil, a rare and fatal degenerative brain disease.  I now know that my mom's abrupt decision to move to Santa Fe, New Mexico was an attempt to hide a frightening and life changing disease from me.

I know very little, if nothing, about what the future is going to look like.  But I do know this:

Life is short.  Give those you love a hug.  Forgive and be forgiven.  Be grateful for every thing, EVERYTHING, you have experienced and know that you are loved.