Thank you so much for this thoughtful and insightful comment.

Of course my first response is a defensive one — we do strive to provide tangible help and frequent interaction — but there is always room in one’s relationships (and in the world) for more patience and kindness.

There are so many layers to relationships, and to caregiving. And the increasing tensions in our society and the tenuous nature of our own living situations, feeling ever more squeezed to work more hours to maintain access to health care, doesn’t help anyone.

I will especially endeavor to ease up on the comparisons to less happy outcomes. Mom has shown that she does appreciate every day that goes by that nobody in our family is currently in the hospital — which is something I often say I am grateful for too. So we are finding common ground.

Thank you for all your work on behalf of those who need help.