Summary

Fifteen Signs Death is Near – The author and Charlie contemplate a brochure that outlines some signs of impending death, all of which they see in their mother. One night, the author is roused from bed by a phone call from Charlie, telling her to come back to the hospice.

What You’re Afraid to Do – The author discusses the origins of the aphorism (saying) credited to Ralph Waldo Emerson that people should always do what they are afraid to do. She recalls this saying while arriving at the hospice, where her mother (Jan) is dying.

Something New is About to Begin – The author and her family (including Charlie) leave the hospice and go to visit the chapel where Jan’s memorial will take place, the author describing in narration her mother’s conflicting wishes for that memorial. On their way, they...