When I opened my eyes this morning, the sun was shining – quite a rare event, it seems, here in Ohio this spring. I immediately thought of Mom… the morning of her Celebration of Life, the same thing happened. Unexpected sunny skies.
I brewed a cup of coffee and flipped on the TV at 10:02am, just in time to (coincidentally?) catch the beginning of Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday program – today featuring Dr. Eben Alexander. Dr. Alexander is the author of Proof of Heaven, the incredible story of his experience in Heaven after a rare and deadly form of meningitis attacked his brain.
I read the book earlier this year, and it’s one that provides great comfort when thinking of loved ones who have made that journey. He speaks of how perfect Heaven is, its beauty and perfection – at a level that we just can’t even fathom. Bold colors, lovely landscape, and wonderful melodies filling the air. I don’t think it was an accident that the program aired this morning or that I just happened to turn on the TV, to the right channel, at the the very moment it was starting… I needed that reminder of how happy, peaceful, and safe Mom is now…
Next I found the best Mother’s Day gift I’ve ever received – without question. Jess wrote and recorded a song/video for me that made me cry… and laugh… and realize how blessed I am to have such an amazing daughter.
The lyrics speak of various true stories from her growing up years – some of the more… er… challenging moments of parenthood. In one line, she says that years later, these experiences make for great stories and that is certainly true. But, despite these very typical little bumps in the road, this child has brought more love and light into my life than I ever could have imagined possible.
This afternoon, she treated me to a delicious Mother’s Day lunch at Bonefish Grille, and then we hung out sipping Starbucks and poring over books at Barnes and Noble before heading back to my house for a catnap.
For as sad and emotional as I’ve been all week, I would have never expected to smile so much on this day. But, thanks to Jess, it was a beautiful Mother’s Day. I’m sure Mom was here with us in spirit… and happy to know there was more love and laughter than tears. That’s exactly how she would have wanted it….
Oh sweet mother of mine, I am very thankful to know that you are finally whole again, free from the fear, pain, and sadness that hideous disease caused you. You are now in a place far more perfect than any of us can even begin to imagine. And I know you remain with me in spirit. But, damn, do I miss you. I would give anything to hold your hand again…or hear you say “I love you” while wearing that sweet expression on your face. You know the one, right? When I close my eyes, I can still see that lovely image in my mind.
I’ll be thinking of you Sunday. I contemplated spending a couple of hours with the ladies at Eason House, but as the day draws nearer, I’m not sure I can do it. Not this year. Maybe next. I did send them each a Mother’s Day card, though. They won’t have a clue who “Ann” is, but hopefully, it’ll make them smile in the moment they open the envelopes. Boy, that place just isn’t the same without you…
I hope you, Aunt Shirley, Aunt Helen, and Grandma McCormick have a beautiful Mother’s Day – I smile to think of the four of you laughing together and enjoying a spread of food fit for an army! You might not remember this picture, but it was taken back when you were just starting to get sick… completely coincidental that the boa you’re wearing is purple… I adore this photo. It embodies your spirit so perfectly… I imagine this is just what you’ll look like on Sunday as you celebrate with three of your favorite ladies.
The Long and Winding Road... 