Mother's Day from a Funeral Director's Eyes

Mother's Day is always a special day for that someone who gave you so much.  A time honored tradition of giving back a little because of all your mom has done for you.  I am fortunate enough to still have my mom here but I have helped many over the years say "good-bye" to theirs.  I sit and listen to their stories of dedication, perseverance, doing without so their children could have more, the special meals they used to prepare and the list goes on and on. 

Today I celebrate those comments.  Too many times after someone dies, those close to them stop talking about them as if to circumvent their sorrow.  Unfortunately with that, the memory fades too.  Most have told me they find sharing stories very therapeutic as their fellow story tellers help them remember faded memories or even tell them a new story of their mom that they had never heard before.  The memories we share are a way of keeping someone alive within us.  While the physical body is not there to see or give a hug to, our mom’s legacy goes beyond the physical.  So today, if you’ve lost your mom, tell a story about her and encourage others to do the same.

And now I’d like to share one of my favorite poems.  Imagine if you will, your mom reading this to you.

I’m Free – (Author unknown)

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free

I’m following the path God laid for me.

I took His hand when I heard Him call

I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day

To laugh, to love, to work or play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way.

I found that place at the close of the day.

If my passing has left a void

Then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss.

Ah yes, these things, I too, will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow.

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life’s been full, I savored much

Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief;

Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your heart and share with me

God wanted me now, He set me free.

May your mother’s memory bring a smile to your face and renew thoughts of your own youth and carefree nature knowing mom is always there.

~ Mark ~