Looking out for Ellen

Christine is in Phoenix trying to set up home support for Ellen. I am wondering whether she will become the favored daughter. Ellen has already offered her a cut of what the neighbors are paying to park their RV in the driveway - sort of like a negotiator's fee. Furthermore, mom thinks Larry and I are stealing her things and that we also fired the long-time cleaning lady. Who, incidentally, has been absent due to family concerns of her own.

The great gift here is that Christine has a beautiful manner with the old and infirm. (Hell, that's probably why she likes Larry and me!) She is respectful, thoughtful, and fun.

Ellen forgets, but she hasn't forgotten her dignity and her intellect. She might not remember that she gave us those things (now stolen property), but she knows she is a person worthy of respect - our mother. And we are just the kids. So we'd better know our place and tread down this delicate path with care.

She misses Nelson and she is doing her grieving now, three years on. She grieves with Christine, who she really doesn't know (or remember) but she won't do it with us. It all remains unsaid. Thanks Bighair, for being there today.