My mother hasn't lost her sense of humor.

She dithers at the lunch table, the family going around her in eddies of movement.

Oh, I have to get out of here, she says, the familiar mealtime refrain.

What do you want, Mama? I ask her.

She turns, gives me an intense sparkling look -

I want SEX!

We all break into laughter, and she looks smug.

I thought you'd like that! she says.