I tried to go back to sleep, but after about 15 minutes I went downstairs. I checked my email to see if I had "missed anything"...nothing, of course, so I rounded up Roscoe for a trip to Starbucks. I had been so paranoid to leave the house yesterday that even a quick trip to the Starbucks drive-thru was a treat.

It could have been the caffeine, but I was still feeling strangely disquieted. And then the phone really did ring.

It was my mother. My Mama Lee had quietly and mercifully passed at 8:15 this morning, Central time. That was 6:15 for me.

In many ways Alzheimer's had taken her from us a long time ago. But I am relieved she is no longer suffering in any capacity, and that after almost twelve years of patiently asking, she will finally get to see her beloved Floyd again.

I think I will miss that infectious giggle more than anything. The picture here is of her and her sister (and life-long best friend) Billie, circa 1914-15. Lee is the one who is laughing, of course. Always laughing, often sassy. (And Billie is just so Billie there...with that semi-serious expression, probably trying not to laugh at her sister.)

If you're feeling generous today, the Alzheimer's Association can always use some help. It is such a cruel disease, for everyone involved.

Thank you, Mama Lee, for everything you gave us...the grace, the humor, the food (oh yes, the food), the authenticity, and most of all, the unconditional love.