A Funny Conversation at a Difficult Time

OK, I know this isn't a Yuma post, and I apologize for that. I do have more to tell, but I have lots of stuff going on right now, and just can't focus on anything. I will try to get back to telling my Yuma story soon. My Mom has been in the hospital over the last week. I call her everyday to check in on her, and she sounds good, but then I talk to my sister and find out it's an act. I expect this; I'm the youngest in the family, and I'm 3,000 miles away, so she doesn't want me to worry. (Annoying!) Yesterday, I tried calling Mom in the morning around the same time I always do, and there was no answer. I tried an hour later, and got the same result. At lunchtime, still no answer. I tried again at about 2:30 and when I still got no answer I called my sister. She said she was worried, too, so she called the nurse's station on Mom's floor. She had been in testing all day. I felt much better after that. At about 3:30, I tried Mom's room again and was finally able to talk to her. I won't go into all the details, but there was a kind of funny part of our conversation: Mom: I retired today. Me: Over the phone? After 35 years?? Mom: (laughing) Yes! I had to let them know... Me: You'd think after 35 years, a face-to-face would be more appropriate. Mom: (laughing more) I never thought about that. How do you retire after 35 years over the phone??? It just tickled my funny bone, which was good, because the rest of our conversation did not. Mom has heart disease and is currently in congestive heart failure. We're hoping she is strong enough to have surgery next week to replace her defibrillator. It was supposed to be today, but they cancelled it due to her strength level, and other areas of concern. So, I'm hoping for the best for now. I may need to take a trip back east to see her soon, we'll see. I'll keep you all posted.