“Memories of our lives, or our works and deeds will continue in others.” Rosa Parks

On July 7th, 2012, as I was waiting for a fallen state troopers funeral procession to pass, my Mom passed away. For some reason I was meant to solemnly experience the grief of the Troopers mourners rather than to be at Mom’s side during her passing. I’ve heard it said, “Even death has a heart.”. I guess it’s true.

“Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It’s the transition that’s troublesome.” Isaac Asimov

And so it was with Mom. She enjoyed life, getting the most out of each moment and sharing it with her sons and others. You could tell when something touched her, she would use phrases like, “It’s just wonderful, wonderful, wonderful.”. “Look how RED the earth is here.”. She would say to my wife, “when we’re together every moment is a holiday.”

“Every mans life ends the same way. It is only the details of how he lived and how he died that distinguish one man from another.” Ernest Hemingway

As they removed Mom’s body, a gusty wind blew hard, holding the door open, the rain began, and lightening and thunder were in the sky. And then it was quiet again, the cleansing and passing complete.

Now, memories of her passion and love are all we have.

I miss you already, love, your son, John.