Long Shadows

My favorite time of day is when the sun slowly disappears below the western horizon. Long shadows appear behind the trees, the bushes, > houses – anything and everything.

Holding the lessons of the day, these shadows reveal the personalities of their owners. Some tall and straight, others short and bent. They reflect what we see.

I like these shadows, no matter the shape. The serenity, the depth, the complexity of their story.

One year ago today, my mother, Ida, died after an 8 year battle with Alzheimer’s. She was a strong person with immense influence. Her shadow was indeed long.

Her shadow held her most precious lessons of life. To see them, to understand them; all you had to do was look.

She smiled easily. She laughed even easier. She always asked about you; said little about herself. She loved her family, her friends. She loved life.

Even when she could not remember your name, or her own, she still showed interest in you. She reached out her hand with a gentle touch. She cared. She knew.

Did she know what was happening to her? Probably; but she never let on. She never complained.

We all cast a shadow. Each telling a different story. A unique story. A new shadow shaped each day built on past memories.

Mom had long memories. Rich in stories, deep in lessons.

Today, her shadow is easily seen and always felt.

We miss you mom. We love you.