I understand how you feel; both the RL and the SL.

My Mom died almost six years ago now, and I managed the closing of her estate over the following two years, selling her house, working with my brothers on what to do with her vacation home, who wanted what, who needed what, that kind of thing.

While it was going on it felt interminable but it also felt like I was still working for her (I managed her finances the last two years of her life) and so I didn’t have to really lose her until it was all done. That had positive and negative aspects because I could mourn a little bit but not have to feel the full weight of the loss until the estate was closed.

Now, some years later, all I remember is that she was a pistol, intelligent, caring, a wise-acre, creative, hardworking, a dedicated volunteer, a great boss, just a pistol. My favorite photo of her is on my desk in my office in RL, and one of her and one of my Dad (I’m that much older than you) next to my easy chair at home. Clearing out the remains of her life made me think a lot about mine, and although I’m still trying to simplify, I feel it’s had a good impact, to be pushed to think about what I will leave behind.

In the meantime, let me express my gratitude for the community you’ve developed inworld, and whatever happens to it, thanks! There are so many ways to measure the richness of life!

Nan