Rest in Peace, Elaine

I don't know what the protocol is for writing about the death of a loved one on a blog, but I guess the way we communicate changes with the times and the forum doesn't make the information any less heartbreaking.

My step-mom, Elaine died suddenly on the morning of April 17th. She had a seizure caused by an infection in her brain. She was 64.

I feel Elaine's presence everywhere and I don't feel like she's gone, so I keep referring to her as if she's standing right next to me. I can hear her laugh, see her body language and continue to wonder what project she has up her sleeve. Elaine was always making, doing, buying, collecting, creating, selling and more. She could have single-handedly pulled us out of this economical slump.

Elaine was generous and we never left her antique shop or house empty handed. She always had her kids and grand kids in mind. She thought of other people constantly as evidenced by the many gifts she had laying around the house that were labeled for her friends, or were obviously for specific people. Yesterday, while we were in the midst of sorting her clothing to donate, Elaine's daughter and friend emerged from a closet with two gifts for her best friend, who was right there with us. We all watched as she opened the gifts and laughed at their obvious inside joke.

The six of us decided to honor Elaine by having our photo taken wearing her six fur coats. The coats had been passed down and accumulated though three lifetimes and there we were saying goodbye to Elaine, going through her stuff and embracing her joie de vivre, her sense of humor, her love of shopping and each other.

I love you Elaine.