Looking in the Mirror - or - My Mom & Dad

My father's blood courses all through my body.

I was standing in the shower thinking that thought the other day. Where did it come from?
I've always rejected my father. Did not get along with him.
But when I look in the mirror I see his soulful eyes staring back at me from under shaggy, dark eyebrows. Yup, I inherited Dad's eyebrows.
My little sister was the lucky one. She inherited Mom's gently curving very feminine eyebrows.

Ten Years Ago - I looked in the mirror and saw my mother's face. Where was I? I turned and twisted but could still see Mom. Grabbing a comb, I yanked it through my hair, hoping the motion would somehow shatter the image of Mom's face and bring back my own.
It didn't.
Then I woke up and remembered that Mom had died a week earlier. What did this dream mean? Was I to fill her shoes? Look after my Dad?


It's been ten years since Mom and Dad passed away. They died within 8 weeks of each other.

My mommy was so special. She shaped and molded me into the person I am today. Her garden was her pride and joy; and that love for all living things, was her legacy to me, my brothers and sisters. Each person, plant, animal and living being was unique - to be respected and cared for.
The cycles of the Earth, seasons, the wind, rain, sun and moon were her guideposts in this journey we call Life.

Mom was honest, generous, and kind. She read me stories, nurtured me when I was sick, and taught me many valuable lessons, one of which was to always "stand in the other guy's shoes". In other words - look at a situation from the other person's point of view. I loved her dearly - I still do.

Even though she is not of this Earth, I still feel her bond, her connection very deeply.
But - her presence is fading. It's as though she's not here any more. I don't dream about her, nor does she pop into my head and thoughts as sharply and clearly as she once did.

The only explanation I can think of is that somehow, her work here is done. And it's time for her to move on - to whatever is awaiting her spirit.

My Dad, on the other hand, fills me with his presence. He is in my dreams. His face is very clear. His gentleness and love shine down on me when I least expect it. The strong, dominating, often angry father he was in life is gone. I am no longer afraid of him. Instead, I feel a sense of connection - something I haven't felt since I was a small child. It was my rebellious teenage years that drove a wedge between us. That rift was never repaired. Until after he died.

Dear Mom,
It's been ten years since you left this Earth. You now have 5 new great-grandchildren. And one grandchild you never met. I am glad you did not have to attend your eldest son's funeral. He slipped quietly from this Earth 4 years after you and Dad.
I am so blessed to have had you for my mother.
Your work is done. Rest in peace - you've earned it.