Then

Darkness, uncertainty

Unmaskable pain that pumped from my heart and through my veins; a throbbing reminder of my grief with every heart beat

The clock ticked deafeningly as the seconds went by both excruciatingly fast and agonizngly slow

Have you ever watched someone die?

Mom, I miss you.

Now

Light, hope

The sharp knife of mourning replaced by resiliency and new beginnings; still hurts

I sometimes wonder if the months fly by just as quickly in heaven

Have you ever watched someone live?

Mom, I miss you.