“Like a bird singing
in the rain,
let grateful memories
survive in times of sorrow.”
~ Robert Louis Stevenson

On April 22, 2022, Kathy’s mother, Norma Hamm, got the call that her table was ready. She closed her eyes and moved on to take her place at the table of the Lord with her beloved Larry. Though her passing was not unexpected, it was, none the less, painful to accept. Her eight children, all well into their adulthood, collaborated to plan a beautiful memorial service and reception in her honor. It was, to quote Dickens, “… the best of times and the worst of times.”

Today, two years later, Norma is no less loved than she was the day she died. In his book, For One More Day, author Mitch Albom pointed out the significance of a mother’s love. He wrote, “I realized when you look at your mother, you are looking at the purest love you will ever know.” I felt this way about my mother, and I know Kathy and her siblings felt the same way about Norma.

Albom wasn’t the only author to reflect on a mother’s love. J.K. Rowling, creator of the Harry Potter series, shared her thoughts, as well. She said, “Love as powerful as your mother’s for you leaves its own mark. To have been loved so deeply, even though the person who loved us is gone, will give us some protection forever.” 

To have experienced such a love is certainly reason for deep gratitude. On the anniversary of a loved one’s death, is there anything a person can say which might ease the burden of the loss for themselves and others? I believe there is. What we can say is a simple, heartfelt “Thank you!” 

As the German theologian, Meister Eckhart, stated, “If the only prayer you ever said in your entire life is ‘Thank you,’ that would be enough.” 

Thank you, Norma.