Finding Serenity when a Beautiful Person Person Passes Away

How can someone find serenity when a beloved member of their family passes away?

On Sunday, my beautiful mother slipped gracefully into full serenity where pain and suffering is no longer a part of life.

My mother was basically the Energizer Bunny, no matter what was thrown her way she kept moving forward.  She was one of those rare individuals who put others before herself.  At the age of 88 she was still visiting residents in the assisting living area of her complex to make sure they had a friendly face, a smile and a short chat, but that was nothing new to her, it's what she did her entire life, even before she had a husband and children.

Religion and God were an essential part of my mother's daily life.  She was a teacher, a lay leader and a primary example of how to be a caring human being.  I am positive that her belief system is what enabled her to live her life to the fullest, helping and caring about those who surrounded her.

For the past week I have struggled to take a deep breathe and locate my serenity.  In the quiet moments, I try to remember her funnier moments, her caring attitude, her beautiful smile, how she was always dressed immaculately, no matter where she went.  It's in these moments I find a little serenity.

I believe that my mother is now with my father, her sisters, his brothers, their colleagues and friends who have all left this earth and is enjoying stimulating discussion groups, learning sessions and book reviews.  Somebody asked me recently if I believe in reincarnation, I don't really think so but I do believe that there is an afterlife of some sort.

So, how do I find my serenity during this time of grief?  I remember the love, the caring, the beauty and the fact that my mother always moved forward.  The past is something we should learn from, but not dwell on.

I am taking deep deep breaths and finding serenity in the memory of my mother.