we were told prior to taking calls that sometimes the elderly have no one to talk to and will engage in lengthy conversations because they are lonely.

so i talked to an elderly lady on the phone for an hour at work today. she said that her husband died almost 20 years ago, her kids don't call often, she's on xanex because she has anxiety and that she would love to have a dog to keep her company but her building doesn't allow pets. as i kept talking to this woman i realized just how lonely my mom was.

i'm a heel. the years that i could have put aside our differences and felt compassion for my mom...i held on to the hurt because it was safe.

i'm going to cry myself to sleep.