Gary, it sounds like all those miles on the open road with music as a soundtrack to those memories was healing. I sure hope it was. Memories really can fill in the vast spaces. The image of you and your mom walking away on that path reminded me of this Ram Dass quote, "We are all just walking each other home."
Here's to softening the edges of life. Have a safe trip home. We'll see you in the season if color.
Patty