This morning I received some not unexpected, but still very, very sad news. My dear loved mother, at 90 years died peacefully at the home in which she was cared for the past several years. It’s devastating to lose your mother, like someone cuts away a piece of you. I saw her just before we embarked on our trip. We said our goodbyes even though she wasn’t aware of her surroundings or who I was. Nevertheless I felt that she acknowledged and recognised my presence, and that we wouldn’t see each other again in this world. Now I am not religious and personally do not believe in a God/Creator, but mum was a devoted, rusted on catholic, and for her sake I hope I’m wrong and that the god that she believed in and served in this life is now looking after her. Mum is gone but we who knew her and have memories of her she is still with us. Rest in peace.