It is hard to believe that my mom has been gone nearly 16 years. It is said that parents experience intense pain and loneliness whenever their children precede them in death. All I can say is I feel a big part of me is gone with the passing of my mom, my sister a year and a half later, and most recently my dad. Just like any family, we didn't see eye to eye at times but there was a lot of love and affection among us.

I grieved longer than usual with my mom's passing. In fact, I was told that perhaps I needed to seek help to overcome the sadness and grief I felt for an extended period of time. I have long recovered from my bereavement but I cannot deny that I think of my departed family all the time. I think it is just normal to miss one's loved ones.

I have heard of the expression "You can choose your friends but you cannot choose your family." True. I cannot thank God enough though for the family that he gave me. I got very lucky.