My mom called me today. She is having surgery next Thursday. They're taking her thyroid out.

She asked me about the upcoming trip to Alaska.

"Are you taking a camera?"

"Yeah..." CJ had just emailed me about that. "And lots of film."

"Maybe, you know, if you see a temple on the way, you could take pictures."

"Sure..."

"Maybe you guys can go to church on a Sunday if you find one along the way..."

"Mom," I started to say, but stopped and sighed quietly instead.

"But really, that's kind of difficult when you're on a trip, because you're all dirty and wearing pants and..." she went on, rushing to fill the silence.

Maybe I will try to explain it again next time. But not today—she’s having surgery next Thursday. I wish I could tell her that even though I can't bring myself to go to church, I worry about her just the same and that my thoughts will be with her.