A Light for My Path

I’m writing this on April 11^th, 2026. Today marks nine years since my younger daughter went to Heaven. Even nine years down the road, certain dates weigh heavy on me – Rachel’s birthday, her wedding anniversary, Mothers’ Day, and the day she left this world. I always try to plan something to distract me on those hard days. Not that I don’t think about Rachel, but at least something to keep me busy and occupied so I don’t dwell on her absence.

Today’s distraction was not exactly the kind of activity I would have picked. But, as fate would have it, I needed to attend a funeral.

The circumstances of this lady’s death were entirely different than Rachel’s. The deceased was a dear lady from our rural neighborhood here at the river. She was 95 years old and had lived an enviable life. I met her when we first bought our house here almost 12 years ago. But many of the neighbors had known her, and each other, for nearly 50 years.

This lovely lady lived a remarkable life. Her family moved to the west coast of Florida from Michigan when she was a young girl and she (Martha) quickly fell in love with all water-related activities. She was a competitive water-skier and was on her high school swim and dive team. She also took water ballet classes. During her high school years, a water park called Weeki Wachee opened. The main tourist attraction was a huge tank featuring “live mermaids.” Martha was recruited to join the fledging 10-member “school” of mermaids.

After several years of mermaiding, Martha married and she and her husband started a realty business in north Florida. She continued to be an avid swimmer and competitive tennis player until she was nearly 90. The real estate business boomed. Many of my neighbors on both sides of our little river bought their properties from Martha and her husband. Most of them also became fast friends, gathering often to play bridge, swim in the river, or go kayaking. Her last 3 or 4 years were marred by dementia, but I feel blessed to have known her while she was still in good health.

While I was listening to the pastor’s eulogy and the memories shared by her daughter and others, I found myself distracted by my own memories. Martha had many things in common with my mother. Mama was born just a year after Martha. Mama loved to swim and play tennis. She was a skilled bridge player. She would have loved to spend her retirement years listening to my dad sing, teaching her grandchildren how to swim, challenging my brother on the tennis court, and playing bridge with friends that she had known for 50 or more years. This was not to be. Mama was diagnosed with breast cancer at 58 and died four years later.

Of course, I also thought about Rachel. About the phone call I got nine years ago, that completely changed how I thought my life as a mother and grandmother would be. Why some people get to have 95 years of life, the vast majority of it filled with family, friends, activities, and success. Why others are taken from the world just as they are reaching their golden years. Preparing to retire after 40 years of teaching to enjoy the fruits of their labor. And why a few are limited to not-quite 31 years on earth. Still settling in after just two months of marriage. Building confidence in their ability to succeed in a career. Making plans for traveling, mission service, and children . . .

I admit I sort of veered away from the subject of the lady’s memorial service.

I apologize; I was a little distracted.

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Laura