As my mother rested quietly in her hospital bed at home her words resonated in my mind, "I've had my day in the sun, now it's your turn to have yours". Knowing what she meant I just smiled at her while I gently grasped her very fragile hand. It was very hard for me to watch her declining health over the last few years and now she was nearing her demise. I was not looking forward to losing this special woman but as life dictates it was now her time. She was always so energetic and possessed "La Joie de Vivre". Over the years she ran many bus trips, through her beauty salon, for the elderly to various places. The trips to dinner shows, outdoor events and overnight excursions brought so much joy and meaning to their lives. Everyone loved her. Her health started to slowly decline a few years ago. She had undergone a coronary artery bypass graft, had congestive heart failure and renal issues due to diabetes. It was hard to watch this vibrant, faith filled woman become so frail and helpless. I could cry as I write this reflecting back on the day she passed. It was her birthday and the family decided that even though she was bedridden and her eyes closed most of the time, we needed to acknowledge her day. There was not a dry eye in the room. We bought a cake and sang "Happy Birthday" to her. When everyone left I gently whispered in her ear "Mom, did you hear us singing to you?" to which she responded softly "I did". She passed quietly a few hours later.

Today, I miss her more and more. I find myself sitting in her Dutallier glider and saying "Mom, what would you be saying to me now?" I feel her presence daily and spiritually but I know she is very close to me saying "I had my day in the sun, now it's your turn". This void will stay with me until we meet again one day. Knowing this, I carry on and feel so blessed to have had the joy of having Gertrude as my mother. Until we meet again, mom, I love you!