The Traveling Pendant

It's hard to believe that it has been nearly one year since my Mom passed away. This Sunday, February 12th, will find my family close together, doing our best to remember only the good times, offering each other hugs, tissues and keeping this amazing woman as close to our hearts as possible.

The pendant that Mom was so proud of has been traveling the world now for one year also. It has been to South Africa, Italy and many states within the U.S.

The pendant's journey has been much like life, full of both ups and downs. It has had amazing experiences, been temporarily lost twice, been shark diving, and even part of Notre Dame's history, if only briefly.

I guess I was naive to think 12 months would be enough time for everyone who wanted to wear it to have that chance. It has a waiting list still, and I know Mom must be smiling down knowing and seeing how many people, most of whom she has never met, want to be a part of this journey, even now.

The traveling pendant book, which will be known as The Ether Diaries will be out in late 2012 and I can only hope a movie will also follow.

Looking back over the past year, it's hard to imagine I accomplished anything at all without the normal five telephone calls daily that I used to make to my Mom. Many days I wanted to stay in bed, many days I did just that, and some I cried. 12 months later, I miss her just as much, and even more some days, and I struggle to believe she won't call, "Hi, it's Mom." She would always say.

I dream of her often, and many others who have gone before me, and hope they come for me, hold my hand, stroke my hair, and wipe my one final tear when my time comes.

Until then, I'll keep going, doing all I can to honor her, my Self, and everything she taught me. Thank you everyone for your love, support and frienship.

Until then.....