I found out my step mother is near her death bed. In a birthday card!

[Lil Missy]

She is a dear woman. She wants to die alone, and requested I not call her. She's been getting chemo, and doesn't want to discuss it. I didn't even know what kind of cancer she has.

I thought dad might have known about it so I called him. But he was shocked too. So, I called my brothers. She's had her breasts and half a lung removed. And some lymph nodes. She's getting palliative chemo now. That's not good, and dad knows that too. I'm just devastated by this news.

She told me by letter, and does not wish to be contacted by phone. I'm respecting her wishes, and sent her off a letter instead. She's lived a hard life. I just wish she were not so stubborn right now. I'd be there, if she'd let me be.