and memories make you smile more than cry, healing has finally begun.

It’s been 16 years since my Poppa died.    For a long time, I couldn’t look at an M&M, couldn’t hear certain songs, couldn’t watch a Mets game.

It’s been 12 years since my mother died.   Everything about that part of my life caused me pain – everything except my Bear.   He stood beside me and sheltered me from as much as he could.    I wouldn’t have survived without him.

Going through pictures and throwing out some junk that I kept because I couldn’t bear to part with anything has been a recent project.
And I’ve discovered that the pictures bring back memories  – and those memories are mostly good.   Smiles, and some tears, and even a few good laughs, have resulted from this trip down memory lane.

Yesterday was Mother’s birthday.  She was remembered by the grandchildren in words on facebook, words that described her as sweet, and loving, and loved by everyone.     I smiled.    She would slap them silly for trying to make her a saint.    🙂   (Although she was pretty darned close to one in my eyes, too.)