Milestone

There are many milestones that define our lives. Some we look forward to while others we hope to avoid. I have reached the milestone of losing a parent. My mother, Clemencia Cardenas, passed away on April 3, 2009 at the age of 68 visiting Family in Mexico.

My mother had diabetes and was somewhat frail but that did not stop my Parents from visiting family in Mexico at least once a year. On this trip, which I had the sense was their last attempt to go, I did not try to talk them out of it considering the news we have heard lately from that country.

I have felt a mix of emotions on hearing the news of my mother passing way. I feel comfort in knowing it happened in a place she wanted to be and she was in the comfort of family. With all the sadness I feel I am very thankful for the time she was with us to see all her Grandchildren and to see their lives start to take shape. It is peaceful to think of how I see some of her mannerisms and catch a glimpse of my mother in the faces of my daughters and that gives me solace of knowing her legacy lives on even when she is gone.

In these next few days as family gets together for a funeral I expect there will be a lot of tears and I hope some good laughs as we all share our memories. I suspect I will be hugging my children extra tight, but I do know I am very blessed with a beautiful and caring wife that will be the rock of our family and my comfort in these next few days.

I love you and I will miss you mom.