My mom.

I want to note that today, December 20, 2010, is the 25th anniversary of the passing of my mom. She is sorely missed. I think about her almost every day. I only hope that someone will remember me in that way, once I'm gone.
Since my mom died a few days before Christmas, it has tinged my view of the holiday. When she was living, she seemed to be the focal point of the celebration. Everyone gathered at her home. Christmas is a good deal more somber to me now.
It just occurred to me that, as of this year, I have lived as many years without her as with her.