LITERARY LAS VEGAS

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Boulder City resident Marjorie Holman Kitchell shares a collection of letters addressed to her mother, Marjorie H. Kitchell, during her mother's long-term illness and eventual death in the book "My Mother's Keeper: Through the Valley of the Shadow of Death." Kitchell is senior pastor at the Boulder City Christian Center Church and is a former police chaplain. Her book can be purchased directly from Dorrance Publishing Company, (800) 788-7654 or www.dorrancebookstore.com.

Excerpt from "My Mother's Keeper"

We were told you had only a few days left to live, two to ten. We knew it already, but hearing it from a professional was devastating. I decided to join Kathy in spending the night in your room. I took a CD player and we played beautiful hymns on a pillow so you could hear it but we wouldn't disturb anyone else. You seemed to be relaxed and peaceful as Kathy and I sat with you and alternately wept or laughed at our own jokes.

...What a champion Kathy was! She would not leave your side from that time on, day or night... She bathed you, lotioned you, changed your linens, took a straw and put water on the tip of it to put in your mouth. You were not even taking liquids. She took a tiny piece of ice and put it in your mouth. She put a wet cloth on your forehead. She brushed your hair back and joked with you. In between the teasing and smiles, she would turn her head away and sob, overcome with the grief we were both feeling.