It is Mother's Day and I am at work. I just worked a cardiac arrest on a 63 y/o lady. Her family had taken her to church this morning and then brought her home. She was alone for less than an hour, and when her family came back, they found her dead on her kichen floor. I did not ask the family where they went during that time period that they were gone. I imagine they stepped out to go to the grocery store for some food for their Mother's day festivities, or perhaps they went to pick someone up. But imagine you are this woman's daughter. Imagine dropping your mom off at home on Mother's Day and telling her you will be right back, you'll only be gone for a bit. Then you come back to your mother's house where you left her alone while you ran an errand and find her collapsed on the floor of the kitchen. You call 911, and, within a few minutes, the fire department, police and EMS arrive in quick succession. They almost ignore you except for a few quick questions while they are manipulating and performing CPR on your mother. They talk amongst themselves and say a bunch of things you don't understand. They eventually put her on the stretcher, with wires attached and oxygen going, and take her to the ambulance, then they go off to the ER with lights on and sirens blazing. Despite their best efforts, when you arrive at the hospital you hear the news that you knew all along. You mother is dead. They did everything they could. They are sorry.
Did you remember to tell her that you loved her and give hugs and kisses before leaving? Did you think that was the last time you'd see her alive? You were gone for less than an hour, how could this happen? Suddenly a happy day full of flowers and gifts turns into a funeral preparation.

I know this is grim. But this is what I have done so far today. I had to tell this woman's daughter that I was sorry and I did everything I could. Hug your mom and your dad and tell them you love them. And then do it tomorrow, and the next day...

Happy Mother's Day