In February, I was given the honor and opportunity to help care for my mother in her final days. Her children had spent many anxious months concerned about her health, wellbeing and dignity as a person. We felt she deserved the best kind of compassionate care from skilled professionals. She did not ever wish to be a burden on anyone so it was a difficult challenge to help her in those last years struggling with dementia. As a family were we lucky that despite so many changes, the essential core of herself remained there - a Mom wanting to do things in her own way and leave on her own terms.