It’s been a rough week.

It’s surreal that one week ago we received news that Mom was leaving us soon. We got in the car and raced up through three states to try and see her before she left her frail body, but she passed away 30 minutes before we arrived.

Friday through Monday we cared for Dad, even as we grieved. Monday night brought the viewing, and Tuesday morning, the funeral.

We took Dad around and tried to keep him occupied. We remembered Mom and told stories of her love. We did a little laughing, and a lot of crying. We cooked him meals, and made a pot of chili to hold him for a few days.

Mom’s presence permeated, and was my touchstone. I remembered her unfailing love for her husband of 62 years, and for her children…and for me. I basked in her love for almost 12 years.

She was all about family, and anyone who hurt her family brought out the mama bear in her. She was especially grateful to know her son and kids were in good hands with me, and told me so – often.

I hope to walk in the gratitude she walked in.

We got to see two of our grandsons while we were there, and it was a joyous time. Dad held the twins in his lap, and the energy and love of another generation gave him a few carefree hours. I’m grateful our daughter and son in law could be there.

As I sit at home now a week later, I’m rocking the newest grandson to join the family. Mom would have loved seeing all these great grandsons. She would have reveled in all this boy love!

She lived a life of service to God, love of family, and service to others. She lived a no nonsense life of truth and honesty.

She lived life, abundantly.

This will be the legacy we carry forward for the next generation.