First Anniversary

As I sit at the computer on a beautiful, hot summer's day in July, I recall the hospital room I sat in one year ago today.

My mother lay there, as her spirit was leaving her shell of an earthly body.

The only thing I could do was watch, as I spoke softly in her ear, and encourage the staff to make her as comfortable as possible.

She was sleeping, and then she was gone.

This has been a long road for twelve months, and one journey I know will never really end until I meet her again on the other side.

In the meantime, I will relish the signs she sends, and live my life to the fullest, enjoying the moments.

The waves do wash over me occasionally, yet definitely not as harshly as in the beginning. I seem to be able to let myself go with them now, and surface calmer.

Yesterday I felt anxious and sad. I couldn't understand the reason, until I realized that my body was remembering how I felt twelve months ago.

The sympathy cards are laid to rest now, with my Mom.

The memories will always stay in my heart.

My hope is, that as time passes, the sadness will lessen with the arrival of each anniversary, and the love I feel for my mother will infinitely grow, encompassing others.

Happy Canada Day !

I could not let this day go by without acknowledging my birth country's one hundred and forty third birthday!

Very young indeed.

One year ago this morning was the last time my mother called to wish me a Happy Canada Day.

This was the day before she began having a series of strokes which took her life after two weeks of fighting their effects.

She was a very proud Canadian who took every opportunity to show it.

This one's for you Mom. Happy Canada Day!