.healthy as a horse." What about the cancer?" I asked, my eyes staying on Mom's breasts, nicely show-cased by the curved brackets of her hands."False ...larm," Mom said as if it was a little thing but I noted a trace of relief that belied her light-hearted dismissal. Mom had obviously been scared silly, the little twitch in her cheek betraying her true feelings. She must have been afraid for her life."So you're ok?" I persisted."Absolutely," Mom banged her hand flat on the table for emphasis.. That will be even better. Tell you what, if we were to take Sunday off, and have a class Monday and Tuesday, we can do the final hours of in-flight training Wednesday night. Thursday morning, you'll be instrument rated and qualified to fly anywhere. You're still green, but you learn fast. I've flown John's Beechcraft several times on trips and know it well. We'll use it to finish next week, that way you can get qualified for twin engine, plus get a chance to use some different instruments.. Everyone comes to that age when they come, here, or goes back to it.And of course, I know who you are. I know you think I hate you, eventhough you haven't said it."She was right - I couldn't see how she could feel anything else. Istarted to cry. I said, "This place is so beautiful. I almost wish Ihad died myself, so I could come here."She said, "No, don't ever think that! You are being given a secondchance to redeem yourself. Mom is going to show you the alternative ina moment. Just know. "Not now, not yet, but when the time comes, I would, and gladly." And I would take them up in your place, and the world around me would become a very safe place for my wife, mother of our children, and the children she gave me." I said, kissing the top of her head.Motherhood, fatherhood, somedays and maybes, they all had to wait until the Dragons, the Spirits and Fate had finished with us.We met Margin Menidar for tea at mid-morning the following day. He looked more like an old wagon master.