Hoi An: Where the Rains Came

Hoi An is described in the guide book as a living museum and a great place to kick back. We planned to spend a week here to explore, visit an orphanage, have some clothes made and to enjoy the history of the town and surrounding area. For the most part that has come true. However, yesterday the rains came.
I woke up in the night to the sound of the heavens opening up. Rain always makes me think of growing up in Vancouver. I used to sit at our big picture window and watch the drops slide down the glass. Slowly at first then merging together to create a torrent. That is how my day started.
The street was one large puddle when I logged on to the internet to see if I had heard from the contact we had here at an orphanage. The e-mail I received told me instead that my mother has not been able to take fluids and is peacefully slipping away. That is when the tears started and the rain really had meaning.
The most difficult thing for me is to be on the other side of the world. There is never enough time to say goodbye. Though I know that I have had a wonderful time with my mother.... my friend... life will not be the same without her. There are so many more stories I want to share and to hear. So much more to learn.
Here in Vietnam I feel I am living a surreal existance today. If I hopped on a plane it would be too late, I know that. Mom would want me to continue this journey. I know that because we talked about it before I left. Today Shane and I went out to the countryside on bicycles.... the fields of corn, the fishing boats, the many flowers and trees were just what I needed to see. To be grounded in this beautiful place while my heart is far away.
We have seen much of Hoi An. We both got clothes made that actually fit. Saw My Son which was a fascinating place and even more wonderful because we could compare it to Bagan and Angkor Wat. Wandered the Old City to marvel at the Chinese and Japanese culture here. Ate great food and met new friends.
We continue this journey .... I am relying on Shane to keep me from falling apart. This journey of the heart is not unexpected but it is most difficult to accept.
I heard from my daughter that my mother passed away peaacefully. My journey continues.