My mom became very ill and was in a lot of pain. She had to be hospitalized.
My mom became very ill recently and had to be hospitalized.
user
Oh no -- how is she feeling now?
assistant
She's doing fine now. But that was the first time I've seen her ill. Scary.
user
Yeah, that had to be tough. I'm glad she's doing better now though. 
assistant
Thanks.
user