The smell of her sweater, the sound of his laugh, her phrase we find ourselves saying are memories evoking a loved one lost. It can be a whiff of perfume, taste of a familiar comfort food, or the sight of someone who for an instant looks like the one we’ve lost. These sensory memories induce memories both sorrowful and wonderful at the same time. While we may ache for someone we’ve lost, we can simultaneously recall those we love with everyday acts of remembrance.
Today would’ve been my mom’s birthday. We lost her way too soon. While writing that sentence still brings tears to my eyes, I plan on remembering her with loving acts of remembrance today. She was a wonderfully giving, funny person who made everyone feel comfortable and loved. The best way I can think to remember her is to do the same towards others.
Everyday Acts of Remembrance
Remembering how she left us too quickly or lamenting she isn’t here to share moments with us won’t make me feel better. It won’t bring her back but only make me miss her more. The jagged rawness of the hole in my heart has smoothed over time, but it has never disappeared. Instead of being sad poking at that hole, I am choosing to honor her memory in positive ways towards others, especially all those she cared about.
I am cooking some of my favorites of hers for my family tonight, and make my children laugh like she always did. As I hold them tight sharing with them how much they mean to me like she always did, I will remember her. I put a little note in my daughter’s lunch box like I used to delight in receiving.
Since she has been gone, many things I do remind me of her. While I may focus more on her attributes today, I realize I have already been sharing her legacy in the way I choose to live and love others. I’m turning everyday acts of remembrance into how I live my life.
Today, I focus through misty eyes on the gifts and loving legacy she bestowed upon all those she loved. This is how she lives on through me and my children. Yes, she isn’t here but with these everyday acts of remembrance she will never be gone either.
