On Mother’s Day, my grown kids told me they had chosen the restaurant and expected me to pay for all twelve of them, just like always.

Mom.”

This year, she had made different plans.

Her suitcase was already sitting near the front door. Navy blue. Small enough to fit in the overhead compartment. Inside were linen dresses, walking shoes, a new journal, and a ticket confirmation for a flight from Dulles to Rome, leaving at 2:40 p.m.

Helen typed one sentence.

Helen: Then enjoy it, because continue reading …