Last Kaddish for My Mother, 2013

As I approach the last day to say Kaddish for my dad for the first year of mourning (Thanksgiving), I am reminded of what I wrote for mom when she died almost 3 years ago.  I hope this will inspire me to write for my dad.

Today is the last day I am saying kaddish for you during this precious eleven month journey of mourning and healing. You will always be my mother and I will always remember you in your wholeness, in this life and in the world to come.

You no longer need the first year’s kaddish to ascend to the place of true rest.

You are now in direct connection with Shmei Rabba, the Great Name, the name that holds all of life and all of death, all of time and space. You are in the place of complete forgiveness, healing, and the deepest of shalom. You are in the womb of our Creation, under the wings and embrace of Shechinah herself.

Now you can watch over me, mother. Help me ascend to my highest self, like you did when I was a child.

You will always be my mother and I will always remember you in your wholeness in this life and in the world to come.