7 Piece Puzzle

Mama was supposed to be there for Duke’s confirmation on Sunday, March 29, 2015. She had been so excited, planning to stand alongside us as Duke took his vows, stepping into the faith she held dear. But that morning, she texted to say she wasn’t feeling well and wouldn’t make it. It wasn’t like her to miss something this important, but I brushed it off, thinking she just needed rest after a long, hectic week of wheeling and dealing real estate. I should have known better. It didn’t matter how tired she was or how far she had to drive—Mama always showed up. This would have been the last time. The weight of that realization presses heavily against my chest. It’s not just the physical absence that stings; it is the weight of the finality to it all. She wouldn’t be there in the pews for the vows, wouldn’t wrap anyone in her signature embrace, whispering, "I love you so very much." There wouldn’t be flowers from Winn-Dixie, no quiet words of pride, no DeDe-level, "putting-the...