Life Has Been Patiently Waiting For Me

My mom died. That’s the first time I’ve said that, thought that, written that. It seems unreal, still, and unbearable. Most of the time, I just block it out and draw, create, move. Just keep going. The only way through grief is motion. My mom collected elephants her entire life. Her dad brought the first one home from a business trip when she was just a baby; a small, pink ceramic one. I have it now and it is one of my most treasured things. The things you treasure, they change as you get older. Over the years, everyone continued to bring my mom elephants and she saved them all. I loved playing with them growing up and it wasn’t long before I drew one. I didn’t draw very well but I soon perfected, at least in my mind, one I named Edward. I drew him everywhere, on everything, on grocery lists and notes to friends. Eventually, I added dialogue and sent cartoons to a few close friends. After my mom died, I just shut down, really. Like everyone who loses someone close to them, I looked for signs. Could she see me? Could she hear me? I searched for answers, I read tons of articles. Was there really life after death? I still don’t know the answers to these questions. I still look for signs. One thing I do know is that there were elephants everywhere, lol! I took an art course and started drawing again. Then, slowly, the cartoons seemed to be the way forward. With some help and encouragement, I’ve launched Enormously Funny Cartoons in honor of my mom. I think she would have loved it. I hope you will, too.