A mother is the truest friend we have; when trials heavy and sudden fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends, who rejoiced with us in our sunshine, desert us when troubles thicken around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts. ~Author unknown, c.1875
In my first job after college, one of my tasks was to help write obituaries for a daily newspaper.
There was a list of area funeral homes, and I called my portion of them every day. The person on the other end of the line would read the obituary information aloud while we’d type it in for publication.
One of the traditionally black funeral homes regularly pronounced their deceased as having been “Promoted to Glory.”
I’d never heard that expression before, but I really liked it.
It’s positive, when we usually think of Death’s calling as something to be feared, something to be dreaded.
Who doesn’t want to be “promoted”? Students advancing to the next grade level? Employees seeking bigger challenges and more pay? And perhaps, anyone hoping for a happy afterlife?
I’ve often been “accused” of being Little Debbie Sunshine, but honestly, isn’t it better (and healthier) to try to find the positives in every situation, rather than miring yourself in gloominess?
So, on this second anniversary of my mom’s passing, I’m trying to rise above my grieving and imagine how happy she must be … surrounded by all that Glory!
Miss you, Mama.
Musings by an ND Domer's Mom 
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Thank you, Eliza!
“….but honestly, isn’t it better (and healthier) to try to find the positives in every situation, rather than miring yourself in gloominess?”
Yes, it most certainly is, Debbie! And I too have often been accused of being Little Ronnie Sunshine, so I know how you feel. And that’s why whenever I’m going through something challenging in my life, I don’t discuss it with others because I try and find the good in the challenge (the lesson I’m to learn) instead of focusing on the negative. For me, when I focus on the good, I seem to move through it in a much less stressful way. Sometimes we cannot change something unpleasant, however, what we CAN do is focus on our blessings. Which for me, gives me the clarity as to WHY I’m experiencing it.
I remember the first and second anniversary of my own mom’s passing, back in 2012. And even now, 14 years later, I still feel grief. Yet, I’m also remembering our close relationship and how incredibly grateful I am that she was my mother. And that somehow nurtures and soothes me, as I grieve.
Beautiful post, my friend! And thank you for sharing it! Sending much love your way!
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Thanks so much, Ron! I’m thrilled to find another “little sunshine!” You’re so right: focusing on our blessings helps us process why challenges occur, as well as helping us deal with the difficulty in a positive way.
I know you can empathize with my feelings today, having lost your own dear mom. I don’t guess we ever fully complete the grieving process when we lose someone so precious.
Miss your blog, my friend, but I do understand. Hugs to you from (finally!) sunny Central Illinois! XX
A lovely post, Debbie. Promoted to glory is a great description. Thanks for sharing.
I’m glad you liked it, John. Funny, but my editors always changed “Promoted to Glory” to simply “died.” They rationalized that “died” was simpler, I guess. I’m not sure the change was for the better!
Gee, that was pretty harsh.