Saying Goodbye And Moving Forward

I wrote a blog post a few years ago about "Hellos" and "Goodbyes".   The hellos are always easier and usually come at happy times.  Those darn goodbyes though are what make the valleys of life hard to travel.  On June 1st we said our goodbye to Mom.  I could say that 2020 will be the year remembered as a time like no other.  But I would be wrong.  There have been many times in this century like no other.  Wars, disasters, weather catastrophes, terror attacks , and other news worthy events are the valleys we all have traveled. My Mother would be the first to say: "Been there, done that, got the T-shirt".  Through it all she showed strength, grace, and a "DO IT" attitude.  So when we were preparing her last wishes we were also in the middle of a pandemic, protests, and the violence of riots, looting, and property destruction all around her neighborhood.  Her funeral could only be attended by 10 people.  We had to limit who could attend and in our family that's not easy.  Mom was known and loved by many more than just family.  She was very involved in her Church and when the Priest gave the eulogy there was no doubt that he knew her personally. Even though the Mass was attended by only 10 people, it was still filled with a sweet spirit of love. However, I felt Mom deserved better than that small gathering and seeing how events of that week led to another funeral yesterday that allowed hundreds to attend I just had to shake my head.  As a light rain fell we stood and said those final goodbyes at the cemetery and came back to her  home for a luncheon attended by family.  Mom said in one of the video chats that when she came home we would have a party.  So that will happen in July when we have a celebration of her life that we will share with how ever many want to come. Hopefully that day will be filled with many happy hellos that would make her smile.  So now we move forward as life goes on and the world keeps spinning.  The pandemic has changed many things but slowly we're getting back to Summer activities and also celebrations like Graduations, weddings, and Independence Day.  We have 2 Grandkiddos who have graduated high school, and one who earned the titled of RN.  Lots to be thankful for here at the Pines.  We are half way through this historic year so I'm hoping that the next 6 months will be played out on a high hill instead of a low valley. 

Sweet Dreams.