Mama passed away yesterday afternoon.

She got exactly what she wanted, to lie down on her bed, fall asleep and never wake up. I found her when I came home from work, after having talked with her at 2 p.m. I often talked to her on the ride home on the bus, so I called her phone several times yesterday. When I didn't get her, I truly had a feeling that this was it, that she wasn't just in her recliner watching the Trail Blazers play Minnesota, her cellphone still in the bedroom. I told myself to plan exactly how I would react as I came through the door which has really helped me to hold myself together through the rest of last night and so far today. I've been crying, of course, but also I've been rejoicing that she is now with Daddy, my husband LeRoy, her parents, all the rest of her loved ones, and our little dachshund Duncan.

The photo I have here is my favorite that I managed to take of her after we had moved to Portland. For me it shows Mama at her best, looking up in curiosity about what's next. She lived her life as all of us should endeavor to, as a decent human being who loved her family and friends with a mighty love.

Thanks to each and every one of you for taking her into your lives.

The look of love

Tuesday evening I looked up from the computer when Mama said, "Look where Duncan has his head now." The camera sat right beside the computer, so I quickly got this first photograph as Mama talked to the little ol' man. I can't tell you how many times he has looked up at her like this over the years, his sweet little head resting on her arm. I guess he heard the camera because he looked at me, so I asked Mama to look at me and smile.

Even with the dimness of available light making them not so clear and crisp, I just love these two photos.