This all feels so surreal.

Can it be that my mom is really gone?

Tears come in waves.

Details break through the fog, to remind me of the painful reality of it all.

Funeral arrangements.
Choosing a casket.
Writing an obituary.
Calling friends and family to share the news.
Cleaning out her room at the Assisted Living facility.

Another reality, also becomes more vividly evident...

Expressions of love break through the pain

Flowers arrive
Then more flowers.
And cards and calls
The presence of so many at the visitation
And then at the funeral.
Warm embraces.
Friends and loved ones traveling very far.

All reminders of the greater reality:

That mom was loved
That we, her family, are loved by many.
That we are not going through this alone.

Death is unavoidable.  That is reality.
Love is at the heart of what makes life worth living.   That is also reality.

It's in these moments that we get brief glimpses
Of the "bigger picture" of the reality of life.

Next:  The Void

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Copyright: Please do not republish any of these writings without first obtaining my permission. (You may contact me by clicking on the Contact Kevin link).  All of my writings are Copyright (c) 2005 Kevin Gourley. All rights reserved.   Any reference to them should also reference the web page address as well.