Back to God's Country

I've been away for a while, so it's good to finally get back to my blog and to you. I have been on quite a trip these last two months although this one could not be measured in miles.

My mother passed on May 16, 2008 at the age of 81. Although long in years and a late-comer to Texas, she was young at heart. Mama moved here and enjoyed a Texas sized adventure. She died after a short illness during which she showed the same grace and faith with which she had lived. She exhibited the strength that she had shown when facing the death of my father and the quiet resolve that had helped them raise and nurture four children in the Englewood ghetto of Chicago. I just didn't see this one coming. I was waiting to get her back to her Texas home, and she moved to her heavenly home.

Now, the Texas sky was still awesome, blue and cloudless; my magnolia tree was blooming and the yard was filled with it's beautiful and fragrant blossoms; summer was on the way and the sun was brighter as the days got hotter. It really was as beautiful as ever here in Texas. And yet...

The brightest day seemed a little darker; the prettiest flower a little less beautiful; the jokes of the rodeo clown not quiet as funny and the bird's song a bit unwelcome. I had been blessed beyond all my deserving. And yet...

I needed time to think, reflect and recollect. I needed to see the sun, shining again in my heart. I needed to get past my loss to really see my blessings. Both of my parents were gone and I needed to just get lost for a while. So I did.

Good Bye, Mama. Enjoy your new home, in the real 'God's Country.' I gained much more from your living, than I lost by your leaving. We will meet again, and that celebration will never end.

Delores Stanley
December 31, 1926 - May 16, 2008
In hoc signo spes mea, requiescant in pace.