Article October 21, 2002 Issue

Star light, star bright... a healing of grief

By Pamela Guthman

My Mother —my best friend and business partner, and the provider of a wonderful home for me—recently passed on. At that moment, the whole fabric of my existence seemed to unravel, including my family and companionship, my work and purpose, my home and income.

I felt a deep loss. And, after many months of caring for her, 24/7, I had to admit I was tired, desperate for a quieter lifestyle, and longing especially for inner peace.

One evening, still in mental turmoil, I forced myself to join about a dozen stargazers on the lawn of our local observatory, in the hope of viewing the Perseid meteor shower.