A year, A blink.

One year ago tonight, according to the calendar, my Mom was freed from the ravishes that ALS had taken upon her body. She had been trapped in her own skin for more than a year, dependent upon others to care for her every need. Many "angels on earth" lovingly did so. Her spirit, her mind, her...everything else was fine. She was the same old Mom. No maybe a better Mom. She knew where she was going and was bold with her end of life reflections.

According to my heart, it feels like a blink, not a year. Details of what we did during her final days replay in my memory more than I'd like. The precious moments by her side, loving her, praying with her, wishing this wasn't happening, but knowing it was the end, still linger like plumes of smoke ascending from hot embers.

So much has happened without her. Birthdays, holidays, proud moments, new babies. Life is going on. It is not always easy to be in this space. But here I am.

We measure our lives in years. We discuss how old or how young was someone when they died. We are anguished by the end of lives. Yet, to God, this life He has given us, here, is but a blink. Just like this year feels like a blink to me.

I miss you, Mom. As much today, as I did last year on July 4th. But, I know you are free. And that is good.