WS: it sounds like your Mom did the very best she could for her boys. I am so sorry she and you kids suffered so much. In that day and age it was very difficult for abused women to leave not having jobs, no shelters or support systems in place, etc. Your Mom sounds like a wonderful person. I am glad now that you are close and enjoying your time together. YOu also had a tough job. I think it is good that they let police retire after 20 years because that type of work takes a toll on your body and mental health. I read that the job is either extreme boredom but you have to be on your toes or all hell is breaking loose and that the adrenaline that rushes through your body also damages it.