76 Tomorrow. That is old how old mom would be.
Thinking about Elizabeth Edwards tonight I can only think about those who loved her, and what she meant to them.
I wanted to write something poignant, something really deep. But all I got is - those who knew and loved her will miss her, as I miss my mom and many of you also miss that special someone.
Birthdays. Holidays. Celebrating a birth or a promotion. Those things you wanted to share with mom. Well they are gone. Nothing I can type here will give her kids a bit of their joy back. I can write nothing that will ease the pain of missing grandma not seeing her granddaughter on Christmas day tear open that present she bought her.
I got nothing except to say that I understand. Been there, and no matter what I say it won't make it easier. It won't fix a damned thing.
About all I can offer to anyone in the same situation is - you are not alone. Others, we cannot feel YOUR exact pain, but we can relate. We can share. We can grieve together, and laugh at some things. We can remember - together, and cry together as well.
When mom died I made a video of her. Quite a few folks in the family, and friends, told me to just move on and that I was dwelling on her death. Now years later I watch the video and smile and draw strength from it. Funny thing is, they do too. I remember her through those pics I scanned in, I remember all the joy she brought to us kids and the rest of the family.
I don't know the Edward's family. I don't care about their politics. I know them because they were - well, well known. And in some small way I, and others, have a connection to them at this moment. I hope they can move ahead and be stronger, I hope they never forget the woman they called mom, the woman some called friend. Always remember your mom - she was the first to hold you, and no matter your politics/religion/beliefs it is mom who loved you no matter what.
I can't feel your loss. I can relate though because of my own.
From my mom, to yours:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGOq-M1dFHw