My mother deteriorates

In June 2006 my mother had her first stroke.  I took time off work to be there for her and my father.  Further strokes followed with alarming rapidity, and the mother I loved and admired disappeared before my eyes.  

My father needed me more at this point than at any other time in his life.  So much fell on his shoulders and I revelled in being able to be there for him.  As we watched her slip away from us, my father and I drew closer together.