Seven years ago today mom passed away.  I thought she would live forever because like her father she was rarely ill. He was a hardy postman who rose through the ranks to be Postmaster of his hometown. I had to chuckle when my granddaughter’s favorite task was delivering the mail when we took her to see Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. I know that when grandpa died unexpectedly, it broke my mom’s heart, thinking that she would have alone time with him at the end. Ultimately, I feel that taking care of my dad and his memory issues eventually wore her down. He lived another few weeks after her funeral, going out of this world together just as they had come in, born a few hours apart. 

We all lose important people in our lives, but it was hard to see her go, leaving my dad all alone in a memory care facility. Sadly, he often didn’t remember her, shocking me on the day she died with news that he was getting married to what was nothing more than a figment of his imagination. Both of my parents were fortunate to live into their nineties with mostly good health. Walkers and wheelchairs eventually became part of their lives, but were able to live independently until the last few years.  I’ve now reached that time of life myself when those close to us suddenly begin to depart, leaving holes in our hearts. It’s important to make each day precious and remember the good times. 

I’m not a religious man, although my mom tried her best to expose me to the “good word” by getting me to church on Sundays. I could never understand why some had to suffer while others were safely protected, or how one belief was seemingly more important than another? We did not discuss religion or politics as a family and they are subjects I still tend to avoid, along with talk of Bobby Knight. My mom was a college graduate, where she met my dad at I.U. Although, as was traditional, she stayed home to raise her adopted children, but somehow found time to start her own small business – The Calico Cottage. She was loving, smart, creative, and active with her church, clubs, and community. I miss her greatly, but carry her memory as if she’s always by my side.