June is the month my mother died in. I can't tell you the exact date. I could look it up, but I choose not to. The exact date of her death would not make me miss her any more or less. I remember the month , though, and I know I always will. Her death was a hugely significant loss in my life, and I honor her passing by keeping her in my heart, but I don't focus on the date, because her death was not the event that made her the woman - the mother - I remember.

As is always true in this life - with every hello, there eventually must come a goodbye. As profoundly as saying goodbye to my Mom three years ago affected me, and always will, what I see in my mind's eye now as I remember her is the woman who raised me, who protected me, who taught me, who loved me.

My mother was born April 9th, 1921. That is the day a woman came into this world who would become the most important person in my life. That is the woman who spent 81 years cherishing life , her friends, and - especially - her family. I wasn't fortunate enough to meet this grand lady until she was 42 years old, but the events of the almost 40 years after that are what stand out in my mind and my heart as the memories I cherish.

I miss her. I ache for her. I did not want to say goodbye. And yet, like so many daughters before me, I had to learn how to do so- how to release her to her next journey. And now, Mom, three years later, while I will never forget goodbye, it is your life - every vibrant spark of it - that I hold onto - because love never dies.

Until we meet again, I love you, Mom.

...smilin' through the tears...

Melissa, I almost feel as if I intruded on a private moment between you and your mom. How beautiful, how full of love, and ache. You taught me a huge lesson, one which I thought I already knew, to love my mother even more, while she is here with me. In two months, my mom has been in the hospital three times. Each time, I thought may be her last. I read your words and it just made me all the more thankful for the mom I have, and the mom you have. I will not say "had" as she is so clearly very much a part of you. Thank you for sharing.

Oh, Melissa ............

Such a beautiful, eloquent and loving tribute to your Mom. I wish I could have known her.

She was very lucky to have had you for a daughter, Melissa.