The Next Person You Meet in Heaven

by Mitch Albom

“Can you break that last secret? Can you say the real reason for your resentment since Ruby Pier?” Annie choked up. Her voice was barely a whisper. “Because you weren’t there to save me.” Lorraine closed her eyes. “That’s right. Can you forgive me for that?” “Mom.” “Yes?” “You don’t need to hear me say it.” “No, I don’t,” Lorraine said, softly. “But you do.” Annie began to cry again, tears of release, blessed release, the expulsion of secrets bottled up for years. She realized the sacrifices Lorraine had made before and after that day at Ruby Pier, ending her marriage, giving up her home, forsaking her friends, her history, her desires, making Annie her only priority. She thought about her mother’s small funeral, and how much of Lorraine’s life had been surrendered to protect Annie’s. “Yes, yes, I forgive you, Mom. Of course I forgive you. I didn’t know. I love you.” Lorraine placed her hands together. “Grace?” “Grace.” “That,” Lorraine said, smiling, “is what I was here to teach you.”