Susan LaffertyDeath is the deep shadow.
Chasm of uninvited separation. Abrupt change. And tangible loss.
I miss Mom’s voice. Her hugs. Her laugh. And her interest in every little detail. Her focus on what is true and good. Her enthusiasm for learning and growing. Her love for God, His Word. And her example in faithful prayer.
This week would have been her 93rd birthday on earth.
Some days, when it can’t get any worse, it does. Leading to a complicated grief.
This tangled story of deception is not ours alone.
No. All along the darkening path, we meet others who know. And understand.
“Is your arm hurting?” she asks. Yes. The broken bone near my shoulder is healing. Slowly.
It’s 2015 and Manga is prepping me for physical therapy at a hospital in Malaysia. “Be happy!” she says. “Think positive thoughts. Then you will not be hurting.”
I smile. She’s friendly. Gregarious. Her speech and ways and dress make me feel at home.
South Asian home.
