Renewal

Yesterday marked the 13th month without my mother.

I decided to spend the day hiking in the woods, even though the humidex registered 100 degrees F, with possible thunderstorms in the forecast.

A small group of us made for an enjoyable outing in spite of mosquitoes and deerflies.

It was good for me to be with others on this day.

The 8 mile trek seemed like what would be 12 in cooler temperatures, and the thunder, though close, only sent a warm rain, not lightning, at the end of the trail.

Afterward, washing away what the heavens did not felt soothing.

There were no tears to mix with raindrops and showerspray this day as in past months.

The prior week had used all of my soul's anguish, and even now as I recall those feelings my eyes brim.

They do not overflow, which tells me healing is replacing grief one day at a time.

As if on cue, my Mom's Christmas cactus sitting on her desk is blooming, signalling renewal even as fall approaches.