When the Towers Went Up

My mom died a horrific death of brain cancer. No matter where any of her children ranked with her or how we felt about each other, something fell away for a moment and there was just the shock, at least for me.  Pretty strong woman in my biased opinion. She was the only mother I had. One of my classmates told me I was blessed to have such a mother. I'm just adding 'his' testimony. Maybe going through hell prepares you best for going through hell.  I never wished she were dead, privately or otherwise; and I'm sure glad I never did. That would be a burden.. There's burden enough with this weird world we inherited, what is left of it.        This was our visit to Hollywood, Fl, xmas 1975, right before I was released from my mother's grip. First time there. First time seeing my Aunt Bessie, Nicky and Uncle Al in years. She didn't want to turn over the birth certificate as I was trying to go back 'home' (legally) in the months that approached my graduatio