Pictured here at her 90th birthday party last year, my mother underwent emergency surgery early this morning for an obstructed bowel. She is visiting my brother and his family in Minneapolis which is fortunate because they were quick to seek medical attention when she fell ill and there she has access to a world class health system and excellent doctors. Surgeons removed a section of her upper intestine and feel she will make a full, if lengthy recovery. I will leave tomorrow to visit with her and try and lend a hand to Mark and Marie who have had to handle this difficult situation alone.