[Seahawk]

When my Mother died of cancer what I felt was not grief, rather sadness at the death of my magnetic north, someone who had been the arbitrator of my life's many conflicting priorities, the person I could always turn to, who's opinions mattered...I was sad for the loss of us, that I couldn't love her as before.

When you know love and the greatness of the being loved I find it difficult to grieve the passing of a loved one. Death is, after all, inevitable. Loves emotions are precious and resolute and everlasting long after death. My sadness is in knowing the opportunity to share life and create laughter and love, memories with that person is gone.

When I held my beloved lab Earl in my arms and the Vet administered the shot that would end Earl's life I didn't grieve for Earl, we had far too many days of joy and field work, of cold noses and muddy paws...I was sad for the loss of us, the team.

During the days after my Mother died we began the task of moving forward, trying our best to deal with the profound loss...we began to tell stories, recount the good and funny moments of our families life, of which my Mother was the fulcrum.

We laughed and began to face our uncertain futures, each of us no doubt better for having known her love.