Mom's Gifts

Five stars - of course. (★★★★★)

Wow, Mom.

The last few days have been intense. My work is finally done and I'm scanning my emotions. I feel sad, sentimental and reflective. Some relief. Mostly, gratitude.

I'm grateful you saved thousands of family photos. I approached the dusty boxes of photos on your dining room floor as a chore, but it was a gift to review your life from childhood. I found perspective and grace in your brightest and most beautiful moments.

I'm grateful for your incredible artistic talent. It gave you passion and purpose, and it's given all of us a way to remember you in our homes. Your paintings and drawings are being distributed across our far-flung family.

I'm grateful you were a maker of many things, a kind helper and a generous giver. You made food, clothes, gardens and art. You would offer anything. We struggled to relate and communicate at times, but I don't doubt you loved and sacrificed for us.

I'm grateful for the loved ones who traveled to be here, and those who've sent notes of support throughout the week. It's meant a lot.

I'm grateful to my siblings for visiting often and taking care of you during these years of decline. It was tough for all of us, but they handled the hardest parts.

I'm grateful you passed suddenly in your sleep. We should all be so lucky. The Alzheimer's hadn't taken everything yet, but the decline was accelerating. The years ahead would have been very hard for you and us.

I'm grateful your resting place is steps away from your home, in the cemetery where you enjoyed quiet walks. Finding a plot in view of 715 Water Street was incredible fortune.

Finally, I'm grateful for you. Thank you, I love you. Goodbye, Mom.