Mom

When I was visiting my parents while my brother and nephew were down two weeks ago, I noticed that my mom had a really nasty sore on the top of her foot. I asked her what had she done (dropped a piece of firewood on it), had she gone to the doctor (no), well then was she at least putting something on it, like TAO? (no, she had been putting vaseline on it, but then it started burning, so she stopped, but she was soaking it in something - I think she said epsom salts). So, then when I went down again that weekend (arkieboy was in a play), I didn't mention it. But yesterday when I drove down, I asked her about it, and she said it was starting to hurt. So, are you going to the doctor? (yes, Tuesday morning). This morning, while I was drinking my coffee, I was talking to Momma, and made a crack about how they were going to cut off her foot - actually, not the first time I brought this up as a possibility - and made a "buzzsaw" noise. Arkieboy and I came back to Tennessee today, and while we were walking around in a store, my dad called me. I asked how things went, and he said not good. Mom is in the hospital, and he said that might have to cut off her foot. So, he gave me the number and I called Mom. First thing she says, "you had to joke about it. Now see?" Then she told me that the wound doctor (do they really have a specialty for this?) said that they would have to cut out some of the dead tissue, but that it should heal without any problems. She's going to have to stay a couple of days. I asked if she needed me to come back down. She told me no, for me & arkieboy to enjoy our time together because we don't get that much. I feel torn. Do I be the dutiful daughter and go down to take care of my mom, or do I be the mom who promised this week to her son? I really think arkieboy would understand if we had to go back. But I know he would be really disappointed.

Good thoughts and vibes, please??