I had said my goodbyes to Mary the day before. After noting which items were mine, Matt and I had loaded up what we could. Erick promised to take the rest to his place and store until we could come down the next month to get. Now we had packed up and cleaned up after ourselves. Matt took the kids outside to finish adjusting everything in the van so we could all fit comfortably. I took advantage of that to make my last goodbyes.
I stood in the kitchen that was a little more empty. Boxes occupied the counters. Items that were to be given away had been put in them. I couldn't fight the tears.
Mom, I can't believe you are gone. We spent so many hours in this very room. Here we plotted to get Dad to take his meds even though he fought it. We whispered our strategy. You stood at this sink th
