Long Way Home

I just came back from my two-week road trip to the Pacific Northwest. Having had a heartful gathering up in the woods of Washington State with a group of young, brilliant, conscious and dedicated professionals was so inspiring and nourishing. Then we got to visit a couple, who I befriended during the pandemic, in Vashon Island. And all along the way I met up with old friends and new friends, which blessed me with so many heart connections. I averaged approximately 300 miles a day to drive so it’s not too arduous and provided some time to roam around in places. The last day of the trip was the longest distance to get home as we made a detour to meet up with a colleague whom I met for the first time in person.

As I was trying to settle back into my life the last couple of days, the call came early this morning from my brother. My mom finally made her transition last night at the hospice. I was told she passed as if she just went to sleep without any pain or suffering. I had called her care manager the day before I left for my trip. She happened to be by my mom, so she put the phone to my mom’s ear telling her it was me calling. Mom couldn’t verbalize and only made a grunt. The lady told me she started crying when she heard my voice. It turns out that was the last time I heard her voice.

It was a long journey for her and me. It was more than a year ago that she fell in her apartment and was hospitalized and subsequently transferred to the rehabilitation facility where she lived for several months. When she was hospitalized again in March we all thought the end was eminent, yet she persevered this long having turned 93-years old a month ago. Yes, I wish I could have been by her side and hold her hand as she drew her last breath. Just as so many people had gone through this in the last year and a half, things were as they were. I’m grateful that I was able to see her and hold her hand to say good bye when I went there in May. I’m grateful for all the love and support I received during this journey. It was a long way home.

#YouCanSitWithUs