Remembering our loved ones who have passed on, is important.
First, my family just honored my mom’s first anniversary date that she passed on.
August 16, 2021, is the day our mom went to heaven.
So due to it being the first anniversary, we chose to celebrate her life, with Pastor Ruby and Reverend Vickie doing a small service.
Those that could make it, joined us for a dinner at my parents favorite Chinese restaurant.
Because I love the Jewish tradition of lighting a yahrzeit candle on the anniversary of a person’s death and also their birthday, I made sure I took one with me to Ohio.
Furthermore, I’ve come to know that just because your loved one has passed on, doesn’t mean they aren’t still with you.
I continue to feel my mom’s presence every day. Another thing I’m aware of, I carry her in my heart and in some of my ways I do things.
You see, all 5 of use kids, 16 grandkids and 31 great grandkids, plus all the spouses, know we are fortunate to have Dad/Grandpa and had Mom/Grandma, all these years.
Genetically we carry so much from each of them. Not only that, but the values they passed down to us.
Also, with the deep love our family has for each other, grief is a tricky thing. It tends to sneak up on you.
Have you found that as well with people you loved, after they passed on?
As a result of Dad having so many family members around him at his summer home since April, he’s active and busy as much as he chooses to be.
Since he can get out on his golf cart, greeting neighbors, and take walks easily, there seems to be much to keep him going.
Yes, after 70 1/2 years of marriage to the love of his life, he misses Mom, only he keeps moving forward.
We are grateful at 92 he’s still driving, his mind is good, he attends zoom church each Sunday there, and when back in Toledo, he attends in person. Dad is a very productive member of society, passing on his wisdom and sharing his incredible sense of humor with all who are around him.
I’m the only child who moved away from the Toledo area, 41 years ago. I fly back often and love spending time with he and my family. I call him nearly every day to chat and check in as well. He’s the one, besides Hale, that makes me laugh often!
Because of all I have talked about, it was so important for me to spend the week with Dad, Hale and my family, at his summer home. And to be there to remember, Mom on the first anniversary she passed on.
A loved one passing away, alters our life forever. The people I know who lost a parent or sibling, tell me they have missed them since that day. This doesn’t go away.
Having a child pass away, to me would be a different thing to move forward with.
My friend here in Minnesota, Carol Morgan, wrote a book that is the best version of heaven and this whole topic, after her 20 year old son passed away suddenly.
Go to Amazon to purchase this beautiful book. Put Mikey Morgan in the search bar. The title is, “Flying High In Spirit, A Snow boarders Guide to Heaven”.
My dad just read it. He was glad he did. You will be too!
The photos above are some of my favorite with Mom. Some of them were taken just a few weeks before she passed on.
With love and so much appreciation,
Connie
PS. Here is a link to read a piece I like about this topic:
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