Heartache and Loss

My mom passed away early this morning, just after midnight. After 2+ weeks of fighting bravely against pneumonia brought on by chemotherapy, her frail body simply gave out. My grief is tempered by the remembrance of her wonderful life and the knowledge that her legacy of loyalty, tenacity and family won't soon be forgotten. She was a special woman to the many that loved and admired her and I will cry tears in the coming weeks not just for my own loss, but for the world's.

Thanks to all of you who have sent me messages of love and compassion in the past few weeks. Your support has been invaluable to me.

This is my favorite picture of me and my mom together and captures in a single frame what I would spend a lifetime trying to put into words: