I wish you were able to leave the world without a struggle and that you would have been able to enjoy your later years feeling healthy and more alive. Your keen ability to analyze people and philosophize wasn't always popular with those who knew you, but you made us think broadly and open our minds to things that really mattered in life. Even though you were a true rebel at heart, you were probably the most selfless and compassionate person most people will ever meet.
"I needed the quiet so He drew me aside, into the shadows where we could confide. Away
from the bustle where all day long, I hurried and worried when active and strong. I needed the quiet, though at first I rebelled, but ever so gently, my cross He upheld and whispered so sweetly of spiritual things. Weakened in body, my spirit took wings to heights never dreamed of when active and gay. He loved me so gently, He drew me away, I needed the quiet. No prison my bed, but a beautiful valley of blessings instead. A place to grow richer in Jesus to hide. I needed the quiet, so He drew me aside."
During this season, I will miss your kooky Christmas gifts that we loved to laugh about but they came from your heart and will be cherished forever.
You would be 73 today! Not wanting to be photographed most of the time, I caught this moment of you and Joseph, the light of your life.Happy Birthday!
12 comments:
That not being able to pick up the phone to share good news or ask advice is tough. And the holidays are tough and all the *firsts* of the first year. Hugs to you.
Nice poem - I've never seen that one before.
Is Joseph a great grandchild? Your mom looks very pleased with him!
Laura, Joseph is her youngest grandchild. He spent several hours each day with her during his few years learning arts and crafts, and writing. She taught very well. Yea, it's tough this time of year but I'm OK! The poem is what we chose for her, printed by the funeral home. I don't know who wrote it, but it was well certainly suited for her. Thanks for the hugs... :)
Boy, if I don't feel for you, having been in those shoes just a few short years ago. How many times have I "caught" myself thinking...wait 'til I tell Mom that one...only to realize that I no longer can. As I sit here at my computer in the room that was once hers I catch me talking to myself frequently...I tell my adult children that I am communing with Nana and somehow that makes everything all right. After all to wish her back here would be cruel, she was bed bound for too many years in this room, a virtual prisoner. A wonderful woman whose free loving spirit lives on in her grandchildren just like your own dear mother's.
Thank you for visiting my blog - seems we have the same taste in backgrounds! Gratefully, I still have my parents although they are in their 80's now. I worry about being so far away, but I will always be there for them.
I still have my Mom around, thankfully. But she got her MEDICARE card in the mail a few days ago, and that just freaks me out. She's too young to be old!
Since losing my Dad two years ago, I have had so many moments when I wish I could pick up the phone and tell him something..like RAPTOR. He would have thought what I am doing is great.
Hugs to you!
Lovely tribute to your mother. I know the feeling of thinking "oh, I have to tell that to Mom", and then remembering that we can't. Not physically anyway.
You can sure tell Joseph was the light of her life, just look at her face!
The verse is beautiful, one I will keep in my collection of special things. My mom is the same age, and has had two cancer struggles. I do treasure the times we have together, even though we live far apart.
Mary, what a wonderful tribute to your mother; that picture is just beautiful--she looks so happy! And she sounds like a wonderful woman.
Thanks, everyone. My Mom was tough as nails and fought long and hard to stay with us. Poor thing just got tired of the struggle and we didn't blame her one bit. We were with her when she took her last breath. What a relief - she deserved peace!
The first year is the hardest. The first birthday, the first Thanksgiving, and the first Christmas. What a lovely piece. I appreciated your comments on my post. I was very close to my dad although the piece speaks of my anger.
What a tribute to your mom.
The poem was written by Alice Hansche Mortenson and published in the book I Needed The Quiet. The copyright is l978 by Beacon Hill Press. For years I have had a postcard with this poem which I refer to often.
Anonymous - Thank You! I recorded your info. It's a lovely verse.
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