A touching way to look at loss

A "friend" on FaceBook lost her mother and described her loss as follows:

My mother died early on the morning of Sept. 25, surrounded by family and friends. It was peaceful, profound, and as she wished. Somehow, in my mother's inimitable fashion, she found a way to mix tears and laughter right to her last breath. Still not sure how she pulled that off, but she did. One final gift to those she loved, that shared laughter and tears.

I could share a lifetime of stories and photos of her, but right now, my heart is too full. Like a glass filled to overflowing, any movement threatens to spill things further, and I'd rather keep these emotions quietly held within me for a while. Maybe I'm just hoping my body and soul can absorb a lot of this, if I just give it time.

Probably enough to share this image. When the sidewalk was being repaired outside her apartment building's door, no one thought to notify the old lady who was in a wheelchair! Ready for an outing, Mom and her companion got to the door only to discover fresh concrete. In typical Mom fashion, she didn't throw a hissy fit. She made the best of the situation, and with the help of a friend, boldly signed her name.

I know that sidewalk will last for years. I also know that very soon, no one will be walking across that section who remembers "Betty." Doesn't much matter... she carved her name and herself forever deep in the hearts of everyone who knew her. Her name is there within us for all time, written in the indelible ink of love.

Thomas Campbell wrote: "To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die."

Wheels up, Gras... you are loved, always. Not enough words to say how much you will be missed.

Loved the description -- "my heart is too full. Like a glass filled to overflowing, any movement threatens to spill things further, and I'd rather keep these emotions quietly held within me for a while. Maybe I'm just hoping my body and soul can absorb a lot of this, if I just give it time."