Shortly after my mom died, a message popped up for her on Facebook. A student of hers from her brief stint teaching in the seventies had tracked her down to thank her for the impact she had on her life. Some forty-five years later, the ripples of their interactions were still reverberating. This stranger, who knew a version of my mom that predated me, shared stories of the vary nature you're describing.
It certainly doesn't take away the pain of grief, but it kindles a piece of the person you love back to life. In this way, we never really die. We live on through the lives we have touched.
Wonderful post and heart-expanding (considering the title, which was intriguing but didn’t promise a happy read.) I’m adding some of these titles to my TBR list. Anne is a beloved character in my family too — and I’ve known we were kindred spirits since I read your book 😘.
The death curator, the posthumous exhibit of a life…I absolutely love that idea! It’s rare that we know a person through their entire life, more usually we know just the childhood, college years, or old age, bits and pieces of a loved one’s life. This idea will stick with me and I will try to make use of it the next time I’m part of planning a funeral. All the more reason to keep handwritten letters, sketches and quick notes scribbled on random scraps of paper. Thank you!
Shortly after my mom died, a message popped up for her on Facebook. A student of hers from her brief stint teaching in the seventies had tracked her down to thank her for the impact she had on her life. Some forty-five years later, the ripples of their interactions were still reverberating. This stranger, who knew a version of my mom that predated me, shared stories of the vary nature you're describing.
It certainly doesn't take away the pain of grief, but it kindles a piece of the person you love back to life. In this way, we never really die. We live on through the lives we have touched.
libby I am so sorry I am just seeing this-- absolutely LOVE this story, thank you so much for sharing!!
Wonderful post and heart-expanding (considering the title, which was intriguing but didn’t promise a happy read.) I’m adding some of these titles to my TBR list. Anne is a beloved character in my family too — and I’ve known we were kindred spirits since I read your book 😘.
Thank you thank you!!
The death curator, the posthumous exhibit of a life…I absolutely love that idea! It’s rare that we know a person through their entire life, more usually we know just the childhood, college years, or old age, bits and pieces of a loved one’s life. This idea will stick with me and I will try to make use of it the next time I’m part of planning a funeral. All the more reason to keep handwritten letters, sketches and quick notes scribbled on random scraps of paper. Thank you!
Everyone leaves a paper trail- just have to follow it!
I’m so glad it resonated with you, Wendy!