Wandering Along the Path: Right Speech

My friend is worried about her mother, who at 96 is now showing signs of slow down or perhaps a need for hospice.  She is taking her to the doctor, and depending on the information, may be making some hard choices about easing her mother into passing.  Her mother is ready to go, but has an indomitable body that won't quit.  My friend is checking out how to get her mother's body to New York, when she dies, in the time frame of the Jewish tradition, and where to sit shiva there.  I reminded her that shiva is for the family, and she will have fulfilled her promise when she buries her mother next to her family, including her son, my friend's brother.  This is hard stuff, painful and burdensome, and I know well, as I was responsible for my father's death and my brother's.  I still have not scattered my brother's ashes.  After five years his remains are in our bedroom, awaiting final disposal.  I can only listen to my friend and offer my support, but the worry and responsibility rests on her shoulders alone.