I helped guide my mother through a very rough patch of depression and suicidal ideation last year, no doubt exacerbated by her chronic health issues. It forced me to confront many of the issues we try to forget, not the least of which being that our parents are complicated people with their own lives, and that it's very hard to watch someone who has always been your 'rock' need you to do that for them.

As hard as it was, I'm glad I was able to be that for her. Love, it seems, is defined by the really hard times, not the easy, and sometimes, the most important thing is just being there when you're needed the most.