My father died in 1991 and my mother passed away December 7, 2007. It was a hard thing to do, standing beside her, stroking her head and holding her hand when she drew her last breath. I called my son and my aunts and told them she had just died, but I was alone with her and the pain was very great. I did not want to leave her alone in that cold hospital room, alone and forgotten, but noone has perfected a way around the loneliness and despair and frustration that creeps in when your mom dies holding your hand.

What now?

I am married to the most wonderful man in the world. He and I have held each others hearts since 1966 and we are still there for each other.

My sister died 3 years ago and my grandparents have been dead a long time. Some of my greatgrandparents are buried in Tenn. in this cemetery and perhaps my husband and I will be scattered there when we die.