Saying goodbye...

Just returned from the east coast where I visited my 91 year-old mother. I wanted to see her because her health has declined over the past six-months since my last visit. When it was time for me to return home and I was saying goodbye to her she suddenly asked, "Will you come for my funeral?" I promised her I would, and she seemed pleased to know I'd be at her funeral. I think this was her way of saying "goodbye" - to have closure if she didn't see me again. I've started a short story about "goodbyes" - and the importance of saying goodbye when we don't expect to ever see someone again. Should be an interesting writing experience.