The Loss of a Parent

I went to a funeral last week for my childhood best friend's mom. I kept pondering on the drive isn't she too young? Was she sick? Aren't we too young to be burying our parents? Actually, we are the same age as most are when "it" happens. I realized how incredibly lucky I am to have the genetics my family has. No one in my mom's family passes until they are well into their 90's. I had a great Aunt that was around 103. I look back and remember her fondly. The puppet shows my cousin and I put on for her in the summer. She was wheel chair bound, but spry for her age. Anyhoo, back to us 40ish folks, I can't imagine. Just can't. Don't want to go there. My mom is a feisty healthy 70ish year old. The last time we were in to visit her we walked downtown. Annnnd, road the bus back?! I pushed my feelings down and kept my mouth shut. I had that sinking feeling of dread, and my thoughts were "Why can't we walk back? Is my mom getting to old to walk back?"

 Then, my friend's mom passed away last week and that feeling of dread came back. It was so hard to not cry and be strong for my friend. I leave you with this one last thought, if you could what would you do with your mom or dad today to cherish what little time we do have with them?  I am one incredibly lucky girl. -K