Submitted by Cynthia Walker Burton

In 2018, I moved from the sea, sun, and sand of Destin, Florida, to the corn, cows, and country life of tiny Rock Port, Missouri. My mother had recently suffered a paralyzing stroke, and I voluntarily moved home to care for her.

During my nearly five years as Mom’s caregiver (while balancing two part-time jobs on the side), she was my sole purpose in life. We bonded over taking long walks via her motorized scooter, attending church, listening to golden oldies tunes, and participating in the local Red Hats Society which she co-founded. We loved decorating for holidays and she rekindled in me the joy of baking. I loved listening to her reminisce about days gone by, sharing poignant memories of my late father and her colorful childhood memories of Louisville, Kentucky. We were two peas in a pod, and I couldn’t imagine a day without her enthusiasm, laughter, and beautiful smile.

Mom passed away unexpectedly February 17, 2023. We had just celebrated a cozy Valentine’s Day together and now she was gone. My world stopped turning. Lightness was cloaked in darkness. My joy became profound sorrow. The wind beneath my wings had ceased. My purpose was gone.

Following Mom’s funeral service and after performing the heart wrenching task of sorting and selling her earthly belongings, grief continued to dwell and swell deep within my soul. My faith and church kept me afloat amidst the sea of sorrow that engulfed me. My daughter was an angel in disguise, gently keeping me anchored.

I continued working my two part-time jobs, which kept my mind occupied. I attended Red Hats functions and joined five community organizations. It was through these affiliations that my new purpose emerged: serving others.

This bible verse renewed my strength and fostered joy, “Rather in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.”

My sorrow had indeed blinded me to the needs of others. By donating items to those less fortunate and donating my time and God-given talents, my purpose revealed itself: serve others. My mother’s passing was the catalyst to her eternal life with Jesus. It was the catalyst for my new purpose.