The sunset warms my heart. The horizon finally swallows the last ray of light. I cast my eyes over the tree tops, down the valley and slowly lift my head to the scattered clouds. Oh, the beauty of this life when you’re surrounded by nature in its fullness. I swallow the constriction in my throat as I think of you, Mom. Your spirits were as high as pure white clouds. How you loved all this. I reach out to this beautiful world and say, “Thank-you, God, for a mother that will always be remembered.”

I look down the valley and think of our hard times and suffering. Your love always lifted me to the tallest tree that stood at the top of these forested mountains. There is no end to the trees and there was no end to your love.

Walking slowly by the river, I watch the water passing over the rocks. Like flowing water, your love never stopped. When I struggled to create my identity, sometimes I was caught in a whirlpool. But no matter what course I took on the river, you always came swiftly and surely to where I stood. Your voice was sweeter than bird songs that break the silence in the forest. It comforted me.

But the comfort would go. I could see it as your hair turned white and your hands aged. “This old body is tired. It is time for me to go,” you said.

In a few days you were you were gone, just like river water that flows into the ocean. I will never see that water or your love again, but the memories will always be with me.

The night sets in, the moon stands firm and the northern lights dance across the crisp, clear sky. I see beauty in all the things you loved. I love you.