I'm also confident she smiled throughout the weekend as the family worked together as a happy unit showing her off.
We took flowers to her grave yesterday, sang "Happy Birthday" and visited.
This morning two siblings will be taking off to head home. The rest of us will hang out here, tending to the general day-to-day living.
Thus begins a transition of sorts: life without Mother here on Earth but life very much with Mother guiding us from her better place.
What a job she's done already in the month since she passed away. Too many intangible gifts in the name of family----to count. Intangible but, oh so apparent.
I think all of us feel comfort in the fact that Mother in her present state will inspire us more than ever before. She is happy. She is once again with her soul mate. She is free to give us the gental nudges whenever necessary.
And, so we move on with our lives, trying to follow the examples set for us by our parents and so many others who have guided us to this point.
It is an awesome responsibility, but I think we're up to the challenge.
Life does return to normal in a sense, but the page has turned for a new chapter. We each have our own path to follow, and, as we have throughout our lives, our diversity will provide us unique directions to pursue.
Along the way, though, we'll be equipped with the tools necessary and inherent reminders to make the best of whatever choices we make.
As my brother said over the weekend, Mother and Harold provided us the core. I doubt we'll ever abandon those basic principles even while pursuing our wildest dreams.
So, for me, there are beans to pick, stories to write, people to meet. I plan to embrace these and other new opportunities with gusto----cuz I know that's what my mother would expect me to do.
My siblings have other dreams in mind. I'm sure they'll move forward with the same inspiration to pursue their passions, always knowing they were well-grounded by two tremendous parents.
Today, as I start this new chapter of living, I'm leaving you with the beautiful video about our mother produced my son Willie. He selected photos from hundreds submitted to him by members of our family.
Damn fine job, Willie.
Enjoy.
5 comments:
so beautifully said, and so true!
Laura
This sums up perfectly how it feels when a parent passes away. Thank-you for expressing it so well.
I wish we could have been with you as you remembered your mother over the weekend. I have been thinking of you a lot and thinking of what a great person she was. And thinking how hard it is to lose a parent. Eventually, life will take on a new normality, although it may take longer for you since you saw your mother so often.
Janet
I am so sorry for your loss. We lost my mother in law last month as well...life is definitely a new normal. Best wishes to your entire family!
Thank you for sharing this loving tribute to your whole family. I have smiled, cried, and laughed as I remember Virginia. Healing for me as I think of my own parents. Seeing you this A.M. steered me to this gift. My favorite saying is "There is no such thing as a coincidence." There was a purpose in running into you. Thank you for these beautiful memories of all of you. She IS very proud of all of you, her family. Judi Lundak
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