It's done

It’s been a moment since we last caught up, and so much has happened in that space of time. Everything related to my mother’s passing has been sorted now, and despite my initial doubts, I managed to get through it all. Reflecting on the aftermath leaves me in a state of wondering about what comes next. For years, my life was consumed by caring for others, and now, faced with a sudden pause, I'm left contemplating my next steps in a world without those responsibilities.

This week marks a turning point for me—a deliberate pause from work to figure out my future. It’s a strange position to be in, one I suspect others have found themselves in too. The celebration of my mother’s life went smoothly, a testament to the love and respect many held for her. Our family, as always, managed to pull together in remarkable ways, leaving a lasting impact on everyone present.

My mother was a beacon of strength and understanding within our family, known for her ability to solve any problem with grace. She possessed a rare gift of knowing what we needed, often before we did ourselves, a trait fondly remembered by all who spoke at her memorial. Now, with just my sister and me left to ponder the future, we're considering a fresh start, possibly in West Virginia. The daunting task of managing our family homes and taking care of the animals looms over us, yet it’s these very challenges that remind me of the resilience and tenacity my mother instilled in us.

I'm incredibly thankful for the lessons and love my mother provided, and although I may not have said it enough, I hope my actions spoke volumes. Moving forward, my aim is to encapsulate the essence of who she was through my words, in hopes of offering a glimpse into the remarkable life she led. Writing this may seem like casting words into the void, but perhaps, in this void, I find a sense of solace and purpose.