I've had this photo sitting in my blog for the past 4 days, but have not been sure of what to say.
I knew that losing my Mum would still hurt a lot. But I didn't expect it still to sting so much. I sometimes find myself, like a little child, exclaiming that "I want my Mum", usually when I am extremely tired, upset, overwhelmed, or simply missing her. I still dream about her a lot.

I must say, though, that when I think about Mum, the overwhelming feeling I have is gratitude. I am so thankful that she was my Mum. I'm so grateful for the example she was to my sisters and I, and to everyone else (there were so many) to whom she became a surrogate Mum. I still don't think I can have many conversations about her without remembering someone else she & Dad cared for over the years.
I'm grateful for the way she viewed life and all God's gifts to her, and how she made the time to appreciate them. I'm inspired by the way she faced her illness and by her stubborn courage. I'm humbled and challenged by her faith.

I'll never forget the way she loved her grandchildren. Remembering the way she would cuddle and hold them makes my whole body ache as I realise what Jessica is missing. Although it seems odd, though, these memories also comfort me, as I imagine that perfect day when Jessica will meet her precious Grandma.