Held close, at home, for every last good day.

Bonnie Sue set Mama's hair every Friday, just like she used to at the shop. Mama said she felt pretty for the first time in months.

The volunteers sang 'Blessed Assurance' in four parts at Grandmother's bedside. She mouthed every word.

Jacob drove out to our place past Junction City at 2 a.m. and stayed until Daddy was resting. He never once looked at the clock.

Grace took a picture of me holding Mom's hand. It's the most precious thing I own.

Mae Ella treated my mother like her own. She hummed while she worked and Mom hummed right along.

Dr. Archer sat at our kitchen table and explained everything twice, because I asked. He was so patient with us.

Anna Claire handled the Medicaid paperwork and the funeral plans. I got to just be a daughter.

Pastor Greene prayed with Daddy and then talked Razorback football with him for an hour. Daddy loved him.

The night sitter came three nights a week. I slept, and I was a better caregiver for it.

We read Mom's name under the mayhaw trees in February. The blossoms were falling like snow. I'll never forget it.

Martha Lee's grief group gave me somewhere to go on Thursdays. A year later, those women are my friends.