A Mother’s Grief
Her wake was last night and this morning. I went this morning. I knew I was going to cry so I went alone.
She didn’t look like the girl I knew. Her wake was very sad, but beautiful as she was surrounded by people and things she loved in life. Books and other items were placed at the back of her coffin as everyone knew Aileen was a voracious reader. To the left was a display of some of Aileen’s items (sneakers, handbag).
The worst part was seeing her mother. Her mother who raised her so well and did everything right. My heart hurt so terribly for her. No parent should have to go through this. Wakes are a ritual for the survivors so they can continue on with life. I can’t imagine how hard it will be for her to live without her beautiful daughter, Aileen. If you are the type of person who prayers. please remember her mother in your prayers.
I cried as I thought about all the unfinished parts of Aileen’s life – high school, prom, falling in love, acing the SAT exam, driving a car, going to college…..
Aileen’s friends sat quietly in black. They probably don’t realize how much support they were to the family. Several of them were former students. I was so proud to know such a poised group. They greeted me and showed me how to fold the joss paper. I tried to follow their instructions, but my eyes continued to fill with water. Seeing them made me cry more. I couldn’t help but think that it was too early in life for these young adults to feel such a loss and grieve for their friend.
The joss paper was supposed to be folded the pic below (mine didn’t really). The students took the folded paper and burned it in the fireplace so Aileen can have money in the afterlife.
Aileen.
Hugs,
marlene
Topics: Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
June 14th, 2011 at 9:55 pm
I went to her afternoon wake, too. The sight of her body will never leave my memory.