Something to consider

This was posted on the IPF listserve, and I thought it would be good to consider.

You can shed tears that she is gone,
or you can smile because she has lived.

You can close your eyes and pray that she'll come back,
or you can open your eyes and see all she's left.
 
Your heart can be empty because you can't see her,
or you can be full of the love you shared.

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
 
You can remember her only that she is gone,
or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.

You can cry and close your mind,
be empty and turn your back.

Or you can do what she'd want:
smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

American River Parkway

I was out on the American River Parkway doing a twenty mile run on Sunday. I often run on the Parkway, and have quickly adopted the mindset that this is a real gem in Sacramento. It is very peaceful, and a great place to run, walk and bike.

While I was thinking of all of these things that make the Parkway so great, I immediately thought of mom. She would have loved the Parkway. Did she ever come to the Parkway? Or did she not know about it since most of the trail is in farther out neighborhoods? I would love to take her to the Parkway for a walk, and I know she would have enjoyed it.

It made me very sad not knowing if she knew about and enjoyed this gem, or if I should have shared it with her. It made me sad thinking that I couldn't share it with her now. I like to think she knew about it and came out to take walks or ride her bike, but I guess I'll never know.