Love is stronger than death, and it will live on when all else has perished.
Laura Ingalls Wilder
Seven years ago, I went through the saddest moment in all my years, even more painful than when my father passed away, when I was 11 years old. This happened while I was holding my mother in my arms, I felt a pain I never imagined, looking into her eyes, full of love, tiredness and a lot of pain, met mine for the last time. It is impossible for me to forget that morning of February 12, 2016. I still remember how in her last seconds, I had that instant when I whispered "I love you mom, you can rest," I still remember her face, wrinkled by the years and illness, but still beautiful in my opinion. At that moment I felt how my words gave her relief, she relaxed and gave her last breath.
The days after her departure were a blur of pain and confusion. I cried until I ran out of tears and took refuge in sleep, looking for a momentary escape from reality. Loneliness enveloped me completely, and I distanced myself from my loved ones, even the one who is now my wife. I didn't want to even see her.
However, in the midst of the darkness, I found a light, in some words that my mother used to tell me a lot (When I'm gone, I don't want you to be alone, start your family). That promise gave me the strength to move forward. I understood that life, although fragile, is a gift and that I had to honor my mother's memory by living fully.
The loss of my mother changed me completely. I learned that life is short and that we must value every moment with our loved ones. The pain, although intense, taught me to be stronger and appreciate the little things. Then came my most precious treasure, my little daughter, and in honor of my mother, I decided to name her after me, to keep her memory and legacy alive.
However, this morning, looking at the photos on my cell phone, I found one of my mother, and I couldn't help but remember that moment, a moment that although it was painful and difficult to overcome, today I felt different, a mixture of sadness and deep peace. Sadness for her absence is something that is inevitable, but the peace of knowing that I gave her all my love and that she found rest in my arms. This mixture of feelings today has just given me an invaluable gift, and it is the certainty that the love we shared will last forever.
Translation made with the help of Deepl
Without further ado I say goodbye friends, until next time.
