I received a call two nights ago, and a voice asked If I was "____'s" daughter. I'm leaving the name out for confidentiality - but it was a name that only one friend of my Mom's used. Mama always commented that this friend still called her by the same name as when they were young girls together. When I heard the question - I knew what was coming. Within moments I was in tears. I'd wanted to visit this lady after Mama's passing - but never did. When I didn't get a card at Christmas, I sensed things weren't good and wondered if anyone would call me, should something happen. It seemed the deceased had amidst her papers - one paper with the words, "_____'s Daughter" on it - and my first name on the reverse side.

I had to go to this wake - as distant geographically as it was - for Mama and me. I wore Mama's earrings as a token presence and wondered about Mama's spiritual presence there. But I wept during the phone call - over her passing - with regret for not visiting her when alive. Lesson learned - don't live with regret - do whatever you feel you should do, however small it may seem. May Mama's friend rest in peace.