Spiritual Markers, Anniversaries, Birthdays, etc.

There are dates in our lives that we remember forever;, some, like birthdays and wedding anniversaries, are always remembered with a smile. Others anniversaries, like the death of a loved one, almost always results in pain resurfacing. For me, April 8th is the day I dread all year......Four years ago on Wednesday, April 8th, will mark the anniversary of my mom's death. Sounds kind of dreary, doesn't it. For those of you that have not yet experienced this, and are fortunate enough to have you mom and dad still with you hear on Earth, you may not understand the pain that comes with losing your mom or dad.

Today, we embarked on a journey we haven't done in two years......the trip to the cemetary where my mom is buried. I use the word "buried" lightly because my mom chose to be "placed" in a masoleum "slot" rather than be buried in the ground. Actually, she begged and pleaded with me to make sure my father didn't bury her in the ground. Morbid, I know, but once you've experienced it like we have, it does become a part of life you can't avoid, no matter how much you'd like to.

My mom's last resting place is about 2 1/2 hours from our house. During my mom's illness, I would travel weekly to her house/hospital. On the way, I passed this beautiful waterfall park, yet never took the time to stop. Seeing my mother, spending time with her was paramount because I didn't know how much time I had left with her. Ironically, almost 4 years to the day later, we stop to admire the beautiful waterfalls that sit literally on the side of the road.

Enjoy the pictures, even if my post was depressing and gloomy.......