Last week, we did something special to honor Tam’s mom, Nancy. The coroner’s office has trees in their lobby, and the family members of everyone who has passed in the last year can hang an ornament in their memory. Of course we wanted to participate.
Last year after Christmas, Nancy bought a blue globe ornament with a mailman Santa on it. Tam personalized it with her name and other information, and turned the mailman into the Angel Post.
It was grey and rainy as we made our way to the office. We crossed the parking lot, and while we would usually walk in the street with Brad till we got to the wheelchair ramp, instead Tam and I walked on the sidewalk. Tam happened to look down and found a bead from a bracelet or necklace with the letter N on it. She had been asking for a sign from her mom, and that was it. We knew she was watching us. It was a very emotional moment.
We went inside and shed lots of tears while hanging the ornament. Tam chose a perfect spot on the biggest tree to place it. Brad documented the event with some beautiful pictures. The pictures are below, and show us supporting each other in our grief and admiring the ornament.
Brad wrote the following statement:
“Grief attaches as a shadow, sometimes darker, sometimes barely there, but never really leaving. But shadows can give shape to our lives and help us appreciate all the light still available to us.
Here, Tam reflects on her mother as she places the ornament in her memory, casting a strong shadow and feeling strong feelings.”
Please remember to hug your loved ones this holiday season. You never know when it may be their last. Enjoy every moment with those you care for. And remember those you lost, as we will be fondly remembering Nancy this holiday season.
