Hi, Emily -
Saving your mother is not your gift to give, but what you are giving is precious. I gave up my husband and kids for a month to be with my mother during her stay in Houston - it was supposed to be 2 weeks, max. No one came to spell me, and I had no guarantees she would return (she did). As I look back, I wouldn't have had it any other way.
You are in my thoughts.

Marlene

Marginal mandibulectomy 6/17/08 resulted in DX of Stage I SCC - gingiva (3 mm) right mandible, buccal side. Clear margins. Occasional social drinker. Smoked last cigarette in 1979. Clear pet: 12/08; 7/20/09. Yay!