MISSING OUR ENDLESS CONVERSATIONS MOM

I found this saying and it says it all....

MOM'S RAINCOAT LIVES ON....

I just could not bring myself to part with Mom's raincoat. So, I came up with the idea to salvage the iridescent purple material and transform it into ornaments for my siblings as a memento of mom. then I gave these to my siblings this Christmas

MOM and ME

Boy, it's been a tough year without hearing from Mom.  Especially since I talked with her at least once a week and most of the time more than that.  All the things that happened in daily life that I have wanted to share with her....it's just been hard. Life is different now. That's just the way it is. Every time someone we love dies, there is a sadness that you carry. I mean there is also the flood of great memories to forever fill your heart when you think of the person. But, the sadness...it's something new, that was never there and now you live with it, because it doesn't go away. Life goes on but mother love...it's real tough to lose.

MARY OF DAYS GONE BY

Here's my mom shortly after she and Ray moved to Merritt Island, FL to start a new chapter of her life.

MOM LOVED HER SISTERS (AND BROTHERS)

Mom's siblings were an enormous part of her life. I remember all MY childhood weekends were spent at various aunts and uncles homes for cookouts and get-togethers. We, as children would observe first hand what family bonding was truly all about. These siblings helped each other through all the ups and downs of life....and to me, this was so very memorable and makes me smile, even today, to think about it.

A FAVORITE COAT

Mom wore this coat for years. It made her feel rich, she said. I am happy for this memory.  But, it's been hanging in my closet. I've not wanted to let it go but, I will never wear it. I think that I am going to give the coat away and hope that someone else can feel rich in Mom's coat. I think that would have made Mom happy. Lately, I have been thinking about all the family I have loved and lost. Those people who's love meant so much to me. Those people I was so very blessed to have in my life. I am inspired to believe that, that pure, real love will live forever in my heart, in a safe place that I can hold onto it. Physically gone, but, always with me,  and I am a better person for having loved them. Life is complicated, but, we are not alone.
UPDATE: I could not part with the coat so instead, I used the fabric to make beautiful ornaments. I think Mom would like them.

MARY LOVED A FUN TIME

Mom always enjoyed laughter and especially had fun with her siblings. It warms my heart to see her enjoying life-in-the moment in this picture which was taken in Tennessee,