Mama

My Mama's name was Helga. Papa says she was about 23 or 24 in this picture, and she wore her favorite red dress.

She passed away last year. She was 68 years old.

I wish I could have a good cry and be done griefing. But that's not how it is at all. I remember little bits and pieces of her life, our life -- and I cry a little bit, and then it settles back into a dull ache in my heart until it surfaces again with the next memory that she is not there anymore.

Perhaps if I catch all those little bits and pieces of memory -- here -- I can paint a picture of who she was. And remember that where she lives now, is in my heart.

Helga 1936 - 2005