A Eulogy

What can one ever truly say from the heart upon the loss of a mother? The vessel from which our soul entered this world has now departed, and the sense of loss is more than words can describe. What I CAN tell you today is a bit about my mother, and the significance she had in our lives and so many others.

She was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, and friend. Her flower gardens were always a source of joy for her, and were a reflection of the inner beauty she shared with the world. She has been the love of our father's life for over 43 years, and he the love of hers. She loved her children through every stage, from the sweetness of infancy to the trials of adolescence, to the place of maturity she has helped us reach. Through us, her grandchildren became one of her greatest sources of happiness. She loved all her family and friends completely.

In my life, Mom was the one who always believed in me. She believed in my potential and my destiny - from the time I was very young. Even while she could not always understand my beliefs and decisions, she still saw me as a soul on a course set by a higher power - and always supported me to the best of her ability. My treasure in life was being born to her.

We will all miss her almost more than we can bear. Now, who can we call on in times of trouble, in times of happiness, or just to talk? Who will we turn to? She was a gift to us; a gift from her Creator - Who has called for her to return. While this brings me sadness, my gratitude is greater. How can I ever give enough thanks for having such a wonderful mother in my life for so many years? She was there through all the milestones: birth, walking, talking, school, graduation, marriage, births of grandchildren, birthdays of grandchildren, and everything else along the way.

Her reflection lives on in all those she touched. Her influence to seek good and to be good was powerful, and will be one of her greatest legacies.

This time has been a test for us all: a test of our faith, a test of our strength, a test of our patience. But the greatest of tests are often the greatest of openings to new paths, to new healing, to new growth, and to miracles in our lives. So I do not begrudge God’s tests, for within them are always lessons and benefits, some hidden and some revealed.

Sitting on the rooftop in Africa (which is a flat, walled roof by the way J), and thinking about my mother’s inevitable departure, I felt the pain of loss, of distance, and of utter helplessness. I also felt the beauty of surrender to it all, for what else can we really do in the end? From God we come, and to God we return. This will be our collective destiny, and I pray we will all return in a state of purity and beauty whenever our times come. I thank God for giving us my mother, and making this Earth a better place because of it.