November 6, 2015 

Sometimes mom sings at night. So at midnight one evening, I explored her purpose.

Why are you singing?

Everybody’s singing, she replied.

To that I had no answer. No quick retort, no admonition. If everyone was singing, why shouldn’t she join them!

Her singing used to bother me. Now I wonder who’s missing out on the fun. Besides, who am I to ask an elderly woman with no social outlets—or at least none that she remembers—and no personal freedom—there are times she cannot even find the bathroom without help—to stop singing.

So, sing on, mother. Sing your heart out. Surely some day I will miss hearing those Neapolitan tunes sung as only she can.