stephen colbertA chill of panic ran through our hearts when we first heard that the Colbert Report was going on hiatus for a few days. How could he do this to us? All kinds of crazy crap is happening in the news this week and we need someone to filter it for us -- before we spontaneously combust from our outrage and confusion. Not to mention -- where are our Valentine's Day chocolates from Stephen?

But it looks like his unannounced break is for a heartbreaking reason. The New York Post reports that it's about his 91-year-old mother, Lorna Colbert. No word on whether she's ill or what exactly is happening, though at 91 it's most likely a life-threatening illness. Our hearts go out to Stephen and his family.

Stephen Colbert is outrageous and provocative about politics, but when it comes to his family, he's actually very private. Whatever is going on, it's probably just plain sad, and we should give the Colbert family some space. Word has it the show will probably resume taping again next week, though Colbert is such a mensch, I think most Americans would be willing to give him plenty of time. But there are lots of people whose jobs depend on the show, so I can see how they'd all need to get back to work soon.

And we all have family members who we know aren't going to be with us much longer, don't we? Today is my grandmother's 94th birthday. Happy birthday, Grandma! She says if she makes it to 95, she's throwing a big party. So I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a Year-of-the-Dragon super-healthy year for her. This is a good time for all of us to think of the elder family members we still have with us and give them just a little extra love.

Here's Stephen making a sweet mention of his mother in the video he made for our CafeMom Moms Matter series. Our very best wishes to the Colbert family!

Do you have elderly family members you worry about?

 

Image via CafeMomStudios/YouTube