In Memory of Mum

Last year our family gathered in the heat of the summer for Dustin and Grace's wedding.  This year we once again gathered in the coolness of autumn to farewell our Mum. 
It was a bright day in May which began like any other but by day's end a shadow cast itself long and bleak upon us.  Our Mum had fought her last battle of which she was not strong enough to return.  Her life as we knew it was snatched away by cardiac arrest.  There was no time for us to converse with her and share a kiss before she went.  As we stood quietly by her bedside in the emergency department she was already unconscious and on her way to the other side.
A moment in time which changed our lives forever.
Mum was 86.  Her health was declining but she had lived a good life.  Mum's life wasn't an easy life but she made the best of what she had and was ingenious in achieving what others may think impossible.  Mum was a good role model and I strive to achieve where otherwise I may not pursued my project at hand.
My sisters and I rallied together to give Mum a send off which we believe she would have been happy with.  It gave us much comfort.  The rest of the family attended her farewell and we recounted our fondest memories.
Each Monday morning Merv and I would visit Mum in her nursing home and spend time chatting and exchanging stories.  I will miss our Monday get togethers.  Mum was always interested in how Mel was going.  Was she still losing weight?  Is she well?  Is she keeping busy? Mum would also ask about Dustin, Merv and myself.  Monday morning is coming soon.
Mum enjoyed coming to our house for a cooked lunch of her choice.  Once she asked for sausages and mash and other times it was beloved Shepherd's pie (mince and potato) or roast chicken with all the trimmings.  Mum visited for Christmas, Easter and Mother's Day.  I would pick her up after I had prepped the vegetables  and put the roast in the oven.  There were Hot Cross Buns for Easter and fruit mince pies at Christmas. After lunch Mum would get comfy on my recliner chair and begin to watch a movie of her choice.  Before long she would be fast asleep and I'd wake her a little further into the movie!  She never seemed to mind!
How will I manage now?  Yes, I know; just one day at a time.  It's going to take me a while before I stop thinking as if Mum is still with us.  She's been my Mum for over 58 years, it's difficult to think of her no longer here.