And then later, a check in the mail. My mother's savings account. I cried and cried in front of the mailbox because all I wanted was her here with me again. I looked down at the numbers, realized she worked her whole life for that. Her whole working life in my hands and such a small amount really. Everyday she would get up and go to a factory, kick a press and stow away a dollar or two. She's gone. My mother is gone forever. Something about that check made it all too real. Sadness came over me in waves.