The family photo which my brother saved and from which this charcoal drawing was derived is probably my favorite. It shows my Mother as a child along with her sister, cousins, and Grandfather gathered on the front steps of her parents' house. It captures her bashful Mona Lisa like smile and shows her warm, caring eyes. Here she was untainted by adult concerns and the cares of the world. I believe it was my Aunt who once said that my Mom was that sweet child who would care for little injured animals they occasionally found on their property. God programmed loving nurture right into her DNA.
These characteristics went right with her into adulthood. Not only did God give her the heart of a great wife and mother, but also the heart of a nurse. She may not have possessed all of the technological brilliance of our present modern age, but it seems she took the Hippocratic oath more seriously than some doctors. I've never known a more caring person. As far as any of us could tell, there was no guile, pretense, or conceit in her. In fact, I can remember her being honest to a fault, if that's possible. Playing poker would definitely not suit her.
We miss her lots and being able to tell her family updates and funny stories, but most of all I miss being able to tell her how much I love her. Why do we as humans take each other for granted and not realize until one is gone what a wonderful gift they are in our lives? It behooves us to take every opportunity to embrace each other and express often how deeply we love those dear to us. I'm definitely still learning.
It comforts me to realize that upon her transition from this world into the next, Mom is now free from the cares of this world and all its sadness. Thank God she is now running carefree like a child once again.