Cranberry Sauce

On an ominous, gray morning with torrential, chilling rain;
the day after thanksgiving
my mother left her body to escape the earthly plain.
She first pushed against the railings of the steel hospital bed
as if seeking a release
from all life's pain and struggle, after which little she said.
There were no heroic measures chosen to extent her days.
Her soul gently slipped away
to transcend the boundaries of all limits and malaise.
Three members of our family, my father, sister and I,
were close by for her last breath,
giving solace and comfort while we watched her slowly die.
As one by one we left the room there was a felt certainty
that we were not leaving her;
for she took the exit lane to explore eternity.
Each one of us who knew her well experiences a deep loss.
Yet we can sense her presence
in bountiful thanksgivings and homemade cranberry sauce.