One month ago, last night, I raced up I-95 from Fredericksburg to Richmond because my mother had fallen and spent one and one-half hours in the sweltering heat trying to get back into the house.

I was meeting with my writers’ group but when my brother-in-law called, I immediately packed my laptop and ran to the car. Minutes later he called to say things were serious, her hospital of choice was full, and they were taking her to another. I switched to the fast lane and somehow, I beat my mother to the ER. I was dashing across the parking lot when her ambulance arrived, my sister and brother-in-law behind them.

She began having health issues Easter weekend and spent ten days in the hospital but was home and doing better. I had been struggling with whether to go on a long-planned trip to Europe.

But with this second episode, she made the decision for me. Five days later, on June 2, at 7:51 pm, my mother took her last breath, my sister and I and our husbands at her side. The grandchildren said their goodbyes the day before. We buried her on a Wednesday morning, and I left for our trip later that evening.

The trip was wonderful but since returning, I’ve had to relive everything. Between the jet lag and sorrow, it’s a struggle to get anything done. We celebrated Father’s Day at her house, but my sister and I experienced a loneliness like nothing else.

I haven’t written for two months – since her first stay in the hospital. I grieve and struggle to sit at the keyboard to finish that last chapter of Journey Back to Love.

Healing takes time and I need to be patient. My mother was my loudest supporter and often told me how proud she was of my books and that I followed my dream. I intend to use that inspiration to transition back to my writing by resuming my blogs. Like my trip to Alaska, I would like to share my experience in Amsterdam, Germany and the Netherlands. I don’t gloat, I simply want to share my adventure.

My mother was ninety-two and had a good life. She enjoyed watching the birds outside her window and golf tournaments on TV. She loved her family and was instrumental in planning our get-togethers for birthdays and special occasions.

She accepted that her time was limited and often said “what else is there for me to do? I’m ready to be with your Daddy.” Our family is missing its shining star, but we have many, many memories to treasure.