It’s a new year. A year full of promise. There is also much to let go of, some reallocations of time and new creations distilling in the background.

It’s easier to live when things are sunny, clear and bright. Life is more challenging when things are rainy and grey. Yes, our earth needs the rain, but so do we. Colours deepen and growth depends upon it. Rain puts everything into perspective.

I’ve been walking in the rain for many months now. My mother is fading away. I’m grieving the loss of her ability to engage, to be mobile and her wish to be alone for this final stage of her life. It’s a sacred time.

My mother came to Canada from East Germany in 1954. Pictures of her show a confident young woman full of promise. I knew her to be smart, curious, adventurous and industrious. She demonstrated that your word may be all you have. So live with integrity.

She lived her beliefs and showed how to survive and thrive through many rainy days. She always knew sunny days were just around the corner. I inherited my optimism from her.

I’ve missed her during this year of rapid decline. My grief is now poignant as she inches closer to death.

I am consoled by her, Renate’s, beauty and grace as a human being and am proud to be her daughter. I wish her sunny days ahead.

~Barbara