As we walked toward the parking lot, I remembered how excited Mom had been about the visit.

Margaret lived approximately three hours away, and the two women had known each other since childhood.

When Mom told me Margaret’s daughter had invited her for a week, I’d encouraged her to go.

“You haven’t seen her in ages,” I’d said.

“Twenty years,” Mom replied.

“Then you absolutely should visit.”

She hesitated.

“I don’t like leaving you with everything.”

I’d laughed.

“Mom, I’m fifty-two. I think I can survive one week without your Sunday dinners.”

She’d smiled and finally agreed.