Mom died in 1998. For the next 15
years her ashes stayed with me for a while, then with one of my brothers.
Eventually, the seven of us siblings agreed we would divide the ashes and let
each person decide what to do with his/her share. That was two years ago.
There were a few places I
considered appropriate and left a little bit to honor her memory and our
connection to those places. But, I never felt like I knew where THE place was
for the last of them.
In the summer of 2014 I enjoyed a
movie titled The Way starring Martin Sheen. Besides being a fun and
funny movie, it let me feel OK to leave little bits of mom along MY way. So I
have been. And each time has been shared with the people who are most important
to me. Many family members were together to spread some on a lake where we
spent many summer vacations. A little was sprinkled in a flower garden on
Mother's Day. On her birthday, some were scattered where the forest preserve
pavilion for the family reunions used to be. And some were left on the graves
of other people special to her on their birthdays.
Now the little zip-lock bag that
has been riding along with me and getting lighter with each mini-ceremony is
close to empty. And today on the side of a canyon wall during this spring trip
to Sedona, Arizona I realized it is time to let go of the last of the dust and
bits of bone. My piece of Mary Josephine Kissinger Muckian Kelly will be
released forever in a place known worldwide for its spiritual energy. Any of
mom's playful and peaceful energy, or light, or soul, or essence-- whatever it
is called-- that the last of her organic material bears can rejoin the energy,
light, soul, and essence of the Universe.
The bag will be empty, but my
heart will always be full with her love and memories. Peace, Mom.
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