Her rationale is that she almost died and she wants to live life to the fullest, so she's not going to waste any time doing or saying things she doesn't want to. It's an admirable policy, but she's begun to alienate even her staunchest allies and her support network is dwindling. My father seems powerless or unwilling to modify her behavior. Perhaps he's tired. Maybe he just doesn't care anymore.
Denial is the order of the day.
He's always enjoyed his cocktail hour, but lately seems to be disappearing more and more larger and larger glasses of scotch. The family recently gathered for my mother's 60th birthday. It was wonderful to see one another and spend time together. But it became apparent that something has gone wrong with my folks. My father is drinking too much and not really listening or connecting with anyone.