At 5:15 this morning, my Mommom passed away. 

It’s been a long day. I went from central New Jersey to northeast Philadelphia, and finally home to south Philadelphia.

Before getting home I stopped at Brave New Worlds in Old City. I took Spruce street home and, reflecting on the day, had a thought right about as I crossed 8th: I don’t know if the city lost or gained a saint today. 

My Mommom lived here her whole life. After this morning, a positive argument could be made for either lost or gained. But one thing can’t be argued – she very much lived. 

I’ve thought about this moment more times than I care to count. In particular, I’ve thought of what song would pop into mind. Some I anticipated; others I didn’t. They’re named below. 

Gaslight Anthem, 1930; Frank Turner, Long Live the Queen; Marvin Gaye, It’s Been a Long Time; Rolling Stones, Beast of Burden