Hey Fat Cat, you were so brave to go see your mother, knowing what reaction you could have gotten. As I read your post, I felt that there is some hope there. Your mother began to talk to you, and started opening up. This must have been the second hardest thing she has ever done (shunning you being the first). If you can bear the discomfort and keep contact with her, she may begin to feel more comfortable exercising "her conscious" and having a relationship with you. It could be uncomfortable for a bit, but it might be worth it to try for just a bit, see if things can change for the better. My mom keeps hers with me, and has no fear of reprisals in the congregation, and doesn't try to hide the fact that she does see me. Your mother would NEVER get the boot for visiting her son. Shoshana