This has been a tough week emotionally. My heart is heavy with all the tragedies around our country – in Boston and Texas and elsewhere – but, truth be told, it was already heavy. Today marks the second anniversary of the day my Mother, Darlene, passed away. I still miss her everyday and especially when I wish I could talk to her about things that are happening in my life, the lives of my friends and family and the lives of people around the world. This year feels different than last year and I imagine every year after will feel different too. It’s not better, it’s not worse, just different. While she may be gone from this Earth, she is most certainly not forgotten and I am remembering Mom today.
There is a bench near where she passed away, and I know I can go there to feel her presence, in the last place she was. I hope others can sit there too – after a run or a walk or for a picnic- read the plaque that is dedicated to her, and feel some of the love and kindness she tried to share those that knew her and those who did not.
And even if comfort is hard to come by there or if I can’t get there, I find comfort in knowing maybe the Lord had bigger and better things in store for her.
She would have the same message today. And she would still be the beautiful person that she was.
Fly joyously, Mom, today and everyday.
Until we meet again,
Follow
I love that you know what a gift your mother was. And I am so happy that she was a gift in your life. Thinking of you today.
Thanks, Ann. And thanks for your thoughts. Hope all is well with you.
Touching Sara.
I’m coming up on the birthday of a loved one who passed away this year.
Thanks, Mark! It’s so great to hear from you. I’ve been thinking of you because I read The Jade Rabbit around Easter last year. Talk to you soon.
Sending you a big hug — thank you for sharing your mother with us.
Thank you, Elizabeth! Take care.
sending you lots of love. I think it’s wonderful you have something so special to commemorate her and a place to go and say hello 🙂
Thanks, Amanda! It is so pretty there. I am hoping we are finally done with snow and I can go there more often now, maybe to get some runs in too because it borders a really nice bike path.
Sara, what a lovely little story. So sweet and so fitting too. I am always happy to see pictures of your lovely Mother, and especially those with you, too.
Thinking of you today and sending big hugs from us both.
Hugs back to the two of you too! I hope all is well and thank you for your kind thoughts.
Sara, I am remembering your mom today and thinking of you, Molly and your Dad!
The anniversaries can be tough, and I learned to let them be times to feel, share and
remember. I also found out from others how much Valerie meant to them on days when I
Invited people to share their favorite Val story! It is a way to feel important feelings and to
Celebrate my own journey with my wife. Your mom always had a sweet, sweet way of
Taking time to catch up and “TALK”. She was so proud of her family! I saw your dad on Easter!
He was so nice to come up and say “Hi!” following worship! Hope all is well for you!
Don’t hesitate to stop at 56 Gibson Place! Just around the corner!
Love and prayers to you!
Lindsay
Hi Lindsay! It is so great to hear from you!! I think of you from time to time because I will never forget (besides all the other memories I do have) when you came to our house the night Mom passed away and everyone was looking down the driveway like, “Hey, that sure looks like Lindsay Smith…wait a second…it IS!” It’s a smile I have during an otherwise very, very sad time. Thank you for sharing a memory of her. I know she loved, loved, loved to hear you sing! So did Bubba. 🙂 Your family is in my thoughts too and I would love to catch up sometime and say Hi, of course! Thank you! I will have to stop by sometime when I am up visiting, Dad. I get up there pretty often. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Love and hugs!! Talk to you SOON!
Thinking of you and your family today. Much love.
Thanks, my friend. For being there now and since the beginning.
Thanks for your beautiful tribute to your mom, Sara. My mom also went to heaven in April. I have never heard the beetle story but really love it. Your mom certainly lives on in you!!!
Thank you Mary Ellen! I heard the beetle story actually not long after Mom passed and I thought, “Ugh. I don’t want to read one more thing right now.” But, I’ve kept in in the back of my mind, and as time has gone on it has given me much comfort to know she is in a better place and living a beautiful life there. I know, if she could, she would be right back to tell us all about it too – and the story gives me some clarity and peace as to why and how she can’t. We live by a pond and actually, I only see dragonflies once in awhile, but when I do, I just know it is her way of sending a little hello. I’m sorry to hear of your loss too. It is hard because April is so beautiful with trees blooming and ducks nesting and spring in the air to also have such a sadness at that time. Thoughts to you as we continue on this journey of healing.
xoxoxo
Thank you, friend! XO
So beautiful, as always, thank you for sharing. The picture of the park bench, to me, is so special. Keep those thoughts in your heart, she is right there with you. And once again, I hate that we have this in common. Hugs.
Thanks, Nanci! And hugs to you as well. I hate that we have this in common, but am thankful it brings us together because we are all here to love and support one another. I hope you are having a happy weekend. 🙂
That’s wonderful that you have a place where you can go and think about her and reflect on her life. I’m sure she’s smiling down on you today and every day.
Thanks, Suzanne! I agree. It is beautiful and sunny there right now, which makes it even more special.