Update

Just to provide closure to that story: Fred died early Saturday morning, in his sleep. I'm so, so glad that Mom got to keep him at home, and that it was quick and easy and fairly peaceful. He had a big window nearby with the sun and the sound of the ocean and the seagulls, and their cat Thomas was able to get in bed with him, and Mom said that he seemed to know that Thomas was there. It couldn't have been better. (Well. He could have not died on Mom's birthday. But, still.) Mom is surrounded by a lot of good people down there, and she's deep in "dealing with stuff" mode, but soon I'll go down and really spend some time with her, and that will be good.

Thank you, everyone, for the good thoughts and well-wishes and *hugs* over the weekend.