On May 1st my Mom died....... I knew this day would come, if life follows it's prescribed order, but denial is a better friend. That it came following a fall, brain surgery and ultimately hospice, was not in the plan, but what is? We entered a roller coaster world of hope, despair, hope.......There was still so much to say, much too late. I started and stopped this post so often, it barely reflects my original thoughts. But in the end wanted to honor Mom, she would like this post. As Mom's do, she thought I was a brilliant writer, I am not. All emotions are in free fall, heightened, raw. I feel adrift..........I started to call her today. Moving forward looks different without my confidant, my cheerleader. No doubt like all Mothers, mine encouraged me that I was capable of anything I chose and celebrated my achievements, and soothed my fears and failures. She loved to hear what I was up to always with a wink and a wince "Oh you didn't!" was the frequent refrain As the process moves along in a grotesque slow motion, I find myself experiencing and learning compassion from others; the words, the gestures and my vow to share those lessons when needed, for those around me. I also learned that Hospice is run by earth angels. So Mom, this post is for you. Your spirit shines on Last Christmas, my sister, her sons and myself Last St. Patricks Day (notice the lady on the left!) Celebrating a friends birthday 3 weeks ago Last years Kentucky Derby Day, an event she started in her complex My heart goes out to Julie of T & G Interiors who also just lost her Mom, then went through a rough bout of pneumonia. Keep her in your thoughts if you will Thank you for listening dearest readers. May I take this time to say you mean the world to me. xo Debra