Gratitude after losing my younger brother and mother within the last 12 months may seem a curious choice of emotion. My brother and I predicted my Mom’s health would decline after his death. The timing of her decline allowed me to move in with her for the last eight days of her life – just days prior to the Covid-19 pandemic lock down of her assisted living facility. Now witnessing the sorrow and heartbreak of people not able to be with their dying loved ones due to this pandemic, I am forever grateful to be able to be present to walk her home.

“Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down to let us know they are happy.” Eskimo Proverb