Later that afternoon, I checked on my mother and brought her a sandwich and a glass of iced tea. When I first walked in, she was sleeping, so I gingerly set the plate and tea on the nightstand beside the bed. I had just turned around and had the door open when I heard Mom say, "Hey, there."

I turned back around, smiling. "Hi, Mom. How are you feeling?"

"Okay," she replied.

"Stupid question," I said as she laughed. "Let me change your bandages."

She ...