I hope your mother's hip replacement goes smoothly. I had a similar feeling of wishing I could do more during COVID lockdowns last year for my grandmother - knowing she had better care than I could give her and not wanting to possibly expose her (etc. etc.) didn't make it weigh on me any less. Ultimately I know I did what I could and didn't add to the burden for her caregivers.
I wrote her, she always enjoyed getting letters. Even if it was a rehash of things I'd already said on the phone days earlier.
Anyway, you're not alone in that awkward want-to-help-but-really-won't-be-of-much-help place. Hang in there!


That bit about writer's block is interesting. Food for thought. Thanks for sharing it.