And now she is devastated. Tough decisions need to be made. Caring for aging parents can be such a burden. Roles are reversed. Tough decisions need to be made.
Hearts are prepared for that painful, final goodbye.
I know this well. In the past year I've had to fly out to California twice to care for my mother who first suffered a stroke and then broke her hip. I also have to experience the sadness of seeing my father's mind gradually decline from Alzheimer's. Try to stay in touch with them as much as you can. Give them a weekly call.