New York Times headline: The Agony of Putting Your Life on Hold to Care for Your Parents.

Mike was an only child. His mother had good genes. Their relationship was difficult. He dutifully, seriously, responsibly cared for her.

When she had a stroke at 95, he made some tough calls. Assisted living. Selling her home. Almost daily visits. 

Caring for her was his new career at the age of 73.

He got cancer the year she died. 

He missed so much. We missed so much. But what were our choices? 

He was an only child. The lesson? Go. Do. Be.