This time, she didn’t argue.
At the hospital, the doctor examined her and ordered several tests.
Mom was dehydrated, exhausted, and had lost weight.
The doctor explained that her loose clothing and weakened condition made the change in her appearance seem especially dramatic.
He wanted to monitor her and investigate whether anything else was contributing to her symptoms.
Once she was resting in a hospital bed, I pulled a chair beside her.
“Mom, please tell me what really happened at Margaret’s.”
She sighed.
“Margaret hasn’t been well.”
“How unwell?”
“She’d recently returned home from the hospital. Ellen needed help taking care of her.”
“Ellen is Margaret’s daughter?”
“Yes.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because I knew you’d worry.”
I squeezed her hand.
“I’m worried now.”
Mom looked away.
“Margaret was there for me when I needed her most. When
Ellen called, I thought it was finally my turn to help.”
She explained that she’d expected a relaxing visit with an old friend.
