CRASH! The cranky old lady in the bed diagonally opposite throws a metal bowl to the floor. Mum jumps and her eyes fly open. "It's okay, it's just Joan." I say. She rolls her eyes, in classic fashion, usually reserved for an outlandish remark by one of her offspring or their offspring. I catch her eye and lean in close. "Mum, here is a hug and a kiss from Kathleen". She smiles in acknowledgment, squeezes my hand very slightly, sighs and drifts into slumber again. I hold her delicate hand and watch each slow breath carefully, hoping another will follow.