Your mom sounds like my kind of woman!! After 10 years in oncology and listening the anaethetist talking about his ski holiday over me in the operating room, I decided enough was enough. I wanted to ski. I cancelled my health insurance, traveled, moved to Thailand and changed my thinking. 18 years fully clear this year - a few wobbles here and there but I can read the imbalances now and know how to fast and herbally medicate my way through the blips. I work with many dying people here in Thailand.
Yes, you're so right - the more drama people tend to subscribe to, the lass likely they re to be vulnerable, raw and real.
Dances with death are actually a rebirth for many, and when the real living starts. As well you know. ;)