Back From Break

A friend dies or leaves us: we feel as if a limb was cut off. ~Thomas Jefferson, third President of the United States

My “tiny” break lasted longer than I’d anticipated … longer, in fact, than any other break I’ve taken since starting this blog a dozen or so years ago.

Thank you for your patience.

When my mom passed in February, she was cremated as per her wishes, and I brought her urn back home.

It was frankly comforting to have her here. I was able to tell her when I saw something interesting in the news or spoke with someone who offered heartfelt memories of her. I was able to relax, knowing she was at peace and no longer in pain.

And I was able to discuss things with her, without having to hear her complain or disagree!

But our priest reminded me that I couldn’t keep her with me forever. That unexpected things (like fire, tornado, or theft) would put a huge dent in our little arrangement.

So I decided I’d better get her properly interred. In Mississippi. With my late dad.

Fortunately, my son Domer was able to get some time off from work, so we made the two-day road trip south with Mama’s urn.

Now you’d think going to such a lovely spot as the Mississippi Gulf Coast would be a fine vacation. I’m here to assure you our trip was not.

The temperature climbed into the mid- to upper-90s every day, with “feels like” temperatures in the 110s. And we were so focused on doing what Mama wanted that we failed to set aside time to walk on the beach, visit tourist attractions, take pictures, or go to the movies.

But we did eat. Very well, in fact. Fresh seafood, when you live inland as we do, is a supreme delight.

And we did shop. Funny how being in some of the same chain stores feels so different when you’re away from home.

And we took care of business, bringing my sis some of her Illinois things and returning with some things I’d left in Mississippi the last time Mom and I were there.

We also got Mom properly laid to rest, despite my last-second desire to tell the cemetery folks I’d changed my mind!

So, it was a good trip, though brief. And it’s great being back among the corn and bean fields, even if Beryl followed us home and dumped nearly five inches of rain here.

I might no longer have Mama’s ashes, but I’ll always have her in my heart.