Celebrating Life

The day was overcast and cool when people gathered for the funeral. A group of voices sang in remembrance. It was the end of April and shortly before her next birthday in May when my mother left this earthly life. She would have been 82. We gathered in our former family living room in Pueblo, Colorado to select readings and music for the service to commemorate and celebrate her life.

Born in Monson, Massachusetts, our mother had strawberry blonde hair and blue, sparkling Irish eyes. She and her younger sister both achieved an RN degree and worked in Boston. Mary Elizabeth played piano, was a wonderful dancer, and could sew the most beautiful clothes for all her family. An accomplished writer, she had a way with words and poetry. Like her mother before her, she made the best pies with flaky crusts. She was a true Renaissance woman: educated, intelligent and with many talents.

Not a day passes, when I don’t hear her pearls of wisdom. She was kind, patient, compassionate and very devout. Growing up in Massachusetts, I can still hear her voice as she read us many children’s classics at bedtime. Today’s poem is dedicated to her memory.

Into the Light

Those who have almost died
frequently speak of a
near-death-experience, of
passing through a dark passage

and into the light. Some have
described a place of incredible
joy and peace along with the
bright light. Those of us

left behind find this hard
to fathom. Why are we sad
and in tears? Why not
focus on the good times

we had with our loved ones?
Somehow I mustered the needed
strength to read a passage
at my mother’s funeral.

Somehow I sang the hymns
which now gave me the comfort
I had given others when I
sang in the choir.

I no longer mourn her
but honor her memory
with stories and poems.
Once she stayed up all night

to sew me a beautiful
prom dress. She gave me
her gift of music and love
of learning and of life.

Mom, you taught us
through your loving example.
This I know: you are with us
today and always: I love you.

Credits for some of today’s photos: my talented niece Sally who lives in Costa Rica and has her own blog. rosedevi.blogspot.com/