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A New Year




At the beginning of a new year, it seems natural to pause and reflect. 


I have to be honest last year was hard.  Sure there were great things, fun and excitement. 


Yet in midst of living our family experienced a life-altering loss on October 10, 2013.
My mother died.


You might think her death was the hardest moment but it wasn't.  It was the dying and gradual degeneration of her disease that was so difficult.


She had been battling "Parkinson-ism" for several years.  Watching this disease slowly steal her life and vitality took my breathe away.  There were moments of grief through those painful years as I watched the mother and dear friend disappear. 


Now we begin a series of first.  The first Thanksgiving without her.  The first Christmas without her.  My first birthday without her.  And there will be more.


A dear friend of mine provided perspective a few years ago during a time of transition.  She appropriately wrote these words in a note:


“Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.”     ― Dr. Seuss


Since that moment, the truth of these words have come to mind so many times. 


I am grateful for the years with my mom.  The seeds she planted and the love she poured into my life and the lives of others brings a smile to my face (and tears). 


I believe this world and the lives of so many others are better because Susie offered herself freely to the art of cheering on others.  Thanks Mom.


What was last year like for you?  What were your highs and lows?  What are you learning?


What do you hope for this year?
 
 

Comments

  1. Unknown30/1/14 4:07 PM

    Corinne, you've been heavy on my mind through your last year and yes, through this coming year of firsts. I don't have a good fix on the "why" of sad or difficult journeys, but I strongly believe God mines from them and shapes us through them, teaching us much. At least that's how I've felt about my last year.Glad to see you still posting here!

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