In Memory of Mom...

It seems like ages since I've written anything on this blog, but I've been on an emotional roller coaster these past weeks.  After several months of a gradual decline, my mother passed away last week.  She  suffered a major stroke just after Thanksgiving, then had a severe seizure early in March.  She never recovered, and peacefully passed last Tuesday.

I am so thankful for the time spent at her bedside during her final days.  Every moment was precious.  My sister-in-law was with her as she took her final breaths, and so eloquently said, "an earthbound angel was granted her wings this morning".

It's the hardest, most emotional time of my life so far.  The tears and emotions flow like waves.  It seems absurd, in a way, because all of us start out life with a mother, and at some time, we all lose our mother.  So it's a fact of life, and shouldn't be unusual... as long as it's someone else's mom...  But when it's our own, it's different.

I can't begin to explain the part of me that's now missing, but I'm sure those of you have already experienced the loss yourself will understand.

Life will go on, and I will go on.

And the beauty of my grandchildren remind me of the life that will continue, through them.

In memory of Mom...  I love you.

"The tide recedes but leaves behind bright seashells on the sand.  The sun goes down, but gentle warmth still lingers on the land.  The music stops, and yet it echoes on in sweet refrains...  For every joy that passes, something beautiful remains."