Friends and a shawl

It's finally over. A marathon five days of dealing with endless details, overflowing emotions, and saying goodbye. I am shattered, heartsore, and tired in both body and spirit. Now it's time to rest, recoup, and try to find our way back to some form of normalcy. Whatever that may be.

I never truly understood how important friends could be in such situations until the past few days. Friends have held me up when I thought I could no longer stand. They made me smile when all I wanted to do was weep. They helped make an unbearable time bearable. Thank you to each and every one of you.

I also appreciate every email or comment left on my blog about my MIL's passing. Others too have been in my shoes. They know how much a kind word or an email hug can mean. Thank you for your kindness.

The green Cascading Leaves shawl I knit is mine no more. Unbeknownst to me as I knit it one careful stitch at a time, it had a destiny to fulfill. It's woolly softness now unseen, wraps my MIL in an eternal hug. I do not miss the shawl; I do miss the woman it covers.

Goodbye, Mary Alice. Rest in peace.