Color version.The idea of this book stems from a series of columns I wrote as a diary of my mother's 'end times.' She was victim to a genetic illness known as polycystic kidney disease (PKD). She had warning in 2003 of reduced kidney function, then in late 2009 the nephrologist she was seeing insisted now was the time to proceed with hemodialysis.The rest of the story-Part II: The Life-came as an afterthought, as I was putting together mementos from Mom's collection to share in a special 'remembrance reception' a month after she died. It occurred to me during the process of discovery and presentation that we need to think of a person as his or her whole life. It had become routine for me to regard Mom as this weakened individual needing special care. To the point even memories of her robustness 5-10 years previous were fading.

I believe I have recovered the whole life of my mother as well as anyone could. And what a life! I was talking to my cat Tabby the other day, saying, "You know what, you are absolutely one of the most beautiful creatures on the planet. And no one knows it!" Same way I feel about Mom. Only with Mom, I'm determined to get out the word.