by Thomas Martin Many years ago, I would annually host a Kentucky Derby Party, inviting friends I made at various jobs. One year, my mother was quite ill and with the date approaching, I decided to forego the party on the off chance something would happen with my mother. As an alternative, I contacted many of my closest friends and put together a trip for all of us meet at the Santa Anita Race Track in Arcadia, California. About 10 friends accepted the invite and I waited as the Sunday drew close. About two weeks before the planned day, I started receiving calls that certain friends would not be able to attend. About one week before the big day my brother called and told me that my mother was not doing well. Usually, this would have prompted me to plan to visit her over the weekend, but with this event planned, I decided my visit could wait another week. As the week progressed, more and more of my friends sent me regrets that they would be unable to attend. I