In 1981, I was 6 years old. My mother had received a phone call and I remember it still, her clutching her stomach and bending over as if in pain and howling. My father hushing her, and trying to hold her, and her pushing him away and howling.

I don't remember if I said anything, or if I just watched. I remember feeling afraid that something could be so very wrong.

She was 3000 miles away from her father when he died.

Tomorrow, my mother will find out if her cancer has spread. I am 3000 miles away from my mother, and I am afraid.