It’s moving in on 10:30 AM and I feel well rested for the day which includes a meeting, some minimal housecleaning, and watching drum and bugle corps compete at Centerville High School’s SOARING SOUNDS. The weather is cooperating, and we’ve just reached 73 degrees with nine more to go. Some evenings, the drum corps attendance has been miserable with highs in the 90s.

Facebook memories reminded me that four years ago, today, the photo of me holding Mother’s hand, three days before her passing, was taken. Mother woke from her frequent nodding off and reached over to take my hand. For me, this moment which I captured with my cell phone, was our true final farewell, the compact that all would be well, and I needed to march onward into this new chapter.

We had ceased taking selfies with her as the physical deterioration was more evident. Her lovely smile never faded, and it seemed to be the only remaining trace of her recognizable features; even her dancing, smiling eyes had worn into oblivion, only offering a hint of their former self when my sister or I spoke to her upon Mother stirring from constant sleep.

I miss Mother, but the grief has become a passageway in my own life’s journey. I carry with me her beautiful memory, the life lessons she instilled, and all the laughter we shared. Life goes on.

I need to prepare for my meeting and then return home to grab some rest to keep my strength fresh for the evening activities.

Make it a great day!