Thursday, December 27, 2018

Moments

For a few years now, I've ended the calendar year with a Moments post. And 2018, as ever, was filled with them. But let's face it, the only moment that matters was a last moment--the last words I spoke to Mom. The last time I saw her living.

If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn't change it. Mom died before Dad and I could get to the hospital, but I think she wanted to spare us seeing her go. So we arrived, and saw her at peace, not hurting, no longer suffering the indignities that cancer had wrought.

And so my final moment with my dear mom was one of love. She knew her time was near, and she was determined to show nothing but love to Dad and I.

Six months ago today, I leaned down to give my mom a kiss, and I said to her, "I love you to the moon and back." She smiled at me and said, "I love you to the moon and back."

While I wish I could have had more moments with her, I can't complain how the last one went.