Treasures Along the Way

Five years without you now. The urge to call you and hear your voice is still strong. How I want to drive up to your door and see that beautiful smile. I so miss our visits on your deck watching the cardinals flit and play in those beautiful trees you planted with their deep red leaves in December. You would always have some yummy food for us to enjoy over the beautiful table setting, one of your magical touches that came so naturally to you. The minute I walked into your home, it was welcoming, warm and smelled so clean and fresh. God’s presence was there, He was always watching over you. As you aged, I could feel the hint of sadness creeping over us, that you wouldn’t always be there with me in this wonderful way. How can a person ever stop missing their mother-the most important person in a child’s life? And we all know we never, ever stop being our mother’s child. I can’t bear the memories of how much you suffered toward the end, and I try so hard to focus on these sweet, tender memories of the countless times we laughed and enjoyed our lives together. Since you left, I have had some very trying, challenging days and then on one of those days, it came–this strong feeling to talk to you and ask you to please send a cardinal so I would know you were there with me. So I pointed to a place on my fence and asked you to send one -there, now. Somehow, you miraculously heard me and there he came-deep red and glorious, right to the spot where I had pointed. Somehow, through the veil, you reached out to me in my deep longing for your love and your caring way. This happened many more times, so there could be no doubt in my earthly bound mind. I knew you were near. I shared this with my children and they surprised me with artwork they hired a friend to do to show this miraculous and amazing experience. It brought me to tears and gave me such deep joy. The challenging times keep coming and the pain of missing you is even deeper today on the anniversary of your death-between Thanksgiving and Christmas. You made every holiday so special-especially Christmas and so the yearning for your presence is strong. Mom, how I wish I could be with you again. You are so special, so loved, so missed. Someday, we will embrace again.

December 3, 2022

Written by Becky Hull