Bonnie Jo Showers, moments before becoming Bonnie Skodis in 1963.

My mom died last Thursday afternoon, around 4:30 PM, at her home in Burbank, California. It was nearly a year after being diagnosed with pancreatic and lung cancer. My older brother, Eric, was there with her. Only moments before, he eased her pain by telling her if she wanted to let go, it was okay. And that we all loved her.

The most courageous thing she ever did was raise two out-of-control sons from early adolescence on, all by herself. After the divorce from my father, she went back to work and still managed to nurture her boys the best that she could – which was more than good enough given the level of dysfunction that engulfed our family. For that, I am eternally grateful.

She taught me right from wrong. She encouraged our creative spirit. She inspired my liberal outlook on life and politics (even though she moved across the aisle later in life). But maybe the greatest gift she gave Eric and I was exposing us to popular culture with passion and vigor – a gift that has served us both well throughout our lives.

We grew apart in later years, as commonly happens when one starts his own family and priorities shift. It saddens me, but we had many moments over the last year to discuss openly and honestly how we felt toward one another. I’m confident that when she finally did let go, she felt free of loose ends and did so in peace.

Obviously, this isn’t everything I’m feeling these last few days, but it’s some. Or at least the stuff I feel like blogging about. I wasn’t sure if I would at first, but it has certainly been cathartic to write down even this much.

No, I haven’t changed my views on god or an afterlife. I’ve experienced death before and what I take away is an earth-shattering reminder of our mortality and how quickly it just… ends. So if you’re reading this, I urge you to stop and appreciate those around you who are still alive. Appreciate life for yourself too. Suck it in. Find meaning and wonder in every simple moment. Our time is limited. And no matter what you believe in – whether it gets better, different or worse after the jump – this experience is unique and should be savored. As cliche as it sounds, we should live like tomorrow is uncertain. Because it is.