This.  How I will remember her - celebrating, smiling, surrounded, honored, and loved.

This. How I will recall them - together, strongest together, moving toward the next hurdle, and challenge. And Together from here on.

My sweet mother, Charlotte Edmonson -“Cee”  has completed her earthly journey. Privileged to hold her in my arms during those final days and hours, I read the 23rd Psalm and Mary Oliver poems, sang Jesus Loves Me and Amazing Grace,  assured her we were all going to be ok, and played Conway Twitty’s greatest hits.

“Just keep moving toward the Light Mom, do you see Daddy yet? I know he’s waiting. It’s ok to let go, just fall into the arms of God.”  She did - February 21, 2025 at the age of 93.

Mom lived in Louisville all her life until she and my Dad moved to Shelbyville to be nearer to us in 2017. She worked as a bookkeeper, dabbled in real estate, but loved mostly caring for her home, her yard and gardens, and people she loved.  Always ready for a road trip, dinner out, shopping excursion, or family reunion - Mom and Dad were well traveled, collecting mementos and friends along their many excursions. I could not have raised my sons without her, she held my confidences, rolled her eyes when my self doubt took over reminding me how to just get it done!   I already miss knowing she is on the earth but my memory will serve as reminder of her unconditional love.

In addition to my Dear Daddy “Bee”,  my son Alex, her parents, sister, brother, and best friend were waiting to welcome her Home.

Those of us left with simultaneously full and fragile hearts are Reggie and I,  Bryan and Patty, Her grands and greats -  Tyler (Christy, Charlie, Buck) Wes (Dori, Oliver, Hank) Patrick (Heather), Alexis, nieces and nephews, neighbors and friends.

And, her Maple Grove (formally Masonic Home Shelbyville) Family and Fan Club.  I risk overlook and omission if I list names, but if you were one of the angels in skin who ever cared for our mother, she KNEW she was safe, respected, important, seen and heard. Thank you for your compassion and courage to accompany her these final miles. We will be having a Charlotte Party soon!  I want to hear your stories as we toast and celebrate the time spent in your care.

And then, my heroes in scrubs of all colors at UL Hospital Shelbyville. From the ER admission on February 14th through her final hours in our cozy little private room, they prayed for and with me, kept my tea mug full, didn’t flinch when I questioned or swore, received my tears and oft irreverent humor without blinking, were quick and generous with hugs, respectively and patiently explained (and explained again) listened deeply, intently, and intentionally as I spoke (often through sobs) of my one desire -  to just honor my mother.

Caregivers Give Care. That is what and who we are and how we move through this realm. Thank you for wrapping me and my dear Mom in your sacred circle of care during the most challenging sleep deprived agony yet gratitude filled week.

Thanks to our friends at Hall Taylor Funeral Home in Shelbyville for your as ever tender, respectful professionalism and care in arrangements for her private burial.

We are good on food, flowers, and plants — If you feel inclined, make a contribution to an organization, church, cause that tugs at your heart in her memory.

Hug tight, be blessed…bask in Light and Love, Cheryl

Now, having this filled to the brim thankful heart, what is my gift to the world?

We’re well stocked with cat food and toilet paper, (tho I just ate the last Cosmic Crisp apple and would love some pretzels; going out would require tying my shoes)

It’s snowing. Again. It’s cold. Colder then just an hour ago. As Snow Storm Bert swirls through Shelby County, I’m slipping and sliding to my 69th Birthday.

Cards, calls, gifts, heart shaped cake, and sweet sweet gestures-yep, I always feel double the love on February 14. But, my heart is full long after “Love Day” As are my travel logs and camera rolls, my journals, calendar, flower pots, and inbox. My bedside table is loaded with books to consume, and portraits I cherish.

All who are graciously guided to cross my path, bless my path, and call me to be the highest and best version of myself.

They send socks and mugs and totes with pictures of cats and cameras.

Reach out on those tough anniversary dates. Are in the audience.

They ask if I’ve eaten breakfast and how rehearsals are going.

“I found something I want you to have before your trip” “I enjoyed our talk.”

      “Thanks for the great evening.”  “Let me know when you’re home”

Spread salt on steps and scrape my snowy windows. (Thanks Reggie!)

       And when I am the hardest to love, by way of their love, I am loved the hardest.

Now, having this filled to the brim thankful heart, what is my gift to the world?

I like to think a squirrel, a possum, a finch are a little less hungry. A neighbor needed that note. My grandsons need a cheerleader, the granddaughter a confidante, my son needs a supporter, friends need driveway debriefs, and rides to the airport. I want to believe I am safe place for snark, eye rolls, and sarcasm, as well as worries, woes, and wows. And I hope I can be a comfortable space to have uncomfortable talks. I have strong shoulders, and a stronger resume for weathering life’s “stuff” storms. And, I’ve been told hugging is my super power!

I’m going to soak it all in as I slip and slide past my Valentines Birthdays. I’ve got lots more to check off my To See, To Read, To Make, To Shoot, To Visit, To Hike, To Meet, To Do lists!

I promise to feel and spread love that’s heaped on me. Hear it, smile about, be ridiculously grateful for, and tear up knowing I am loved by the people placed on my path - be it snowy, smooth, rough, or rutty.

Know you are loved on Valentines Day….and beyond.

CRVS

After crossing 7th Ave, I check the status of our anticipated rendezvous. Wait….How is he now behind me?!