It’s been a year since my mother passed. And while life goes on, it doesn’t get any easier. As you get older, you realize that one most difficult things you experience is learning how to navigate life after the ones you love are gone. Time passes. Their memory lives on. Life still has its flavor, but it’s a little less sweet.
Someone once told me that losing a parent is like joining a club that no one wants to belong to, but everyone eventually will. It’s painful to be apart of it, but everyone there understands. And you take solace in the fact you’re not alone.
Since my mother passed, life has been a bit more quiet. The phone rings less. The holidays are less joyful. And no one nags me if I don’t check in after a flight to let them know I’m safe. Personally, I’ve felt less inspired to write as well. As most of the time, I’d post about my travels as a journal for her to experience along with me. But I seldom feel the urge these days.
I guess, when you lose someone you love, you lose a part of yourself too. But even so, it’s up to us to keep their spirit alive - and carry them with us some fashion while we’re still here. So, if you’re reading this somehow, here’s what a bit about you’ve missed:
The boys are doing fine. We’re mostly staying out of trouble. We get together each week to play a game. Keith usually let’s us win, and Pop finds new and unique ways for his computer not to work. You’d find it all quite amusing.
There’s a little free library outside your home with a cute little pineapple on top. Your books can be found inside. People love them.
The dogs miss you. They still wait by the door for you to come home. Your friends miss you. Everyone came by to celebrate your birthday.
And we miss you, so very much. Wherever you are, know you are loved, respected, and admired - and you will always be remembered.
“Have fun, be safe,” as you would always say, and we’ll see you again, in time.