In response to Cathy'e observations regarding a person's wish to die, I quite agree with her and I believe it is substantiated in the literature, that sometimes a person wishes to die and simply is waiting for "permission". Regarding my Mother, I know that she will die someday and that I don't want to lose her. Although I am 64 years old, I have had my Mother all my life so far and I am not ready for her death. Those who do hospice nursing are superb at facing these delicacies of interaction. Would that I were as good as they. Thanks, Cathy, for your comments. Mary Ann Snodgrass [log in to unmask]