It has been one year since you left us, Mom. In some moments I forget that you're not there for me to call. I think of something I need to ask you or want to tell you and reach for the phone, but then suddenly realize that you won't be there to answer.
Life sometimes seems long while we're living it, but looking back it all went by too quickly. Our family had some great times and so often it was you coordinating it all. We never lacked for anything. Food was always on the table at mealtimes. Our house was a home where all my friends were made to feel welcome. You were like a second mother to many of my friends as well as the friends of all of your children.
Now the living room of your old house is still and silent. There is rarely activity in your kitchen. The furniture was all taken out last weekend with few traces of a home that once was bustling with people coming and going. You reigned like a queen and indeed you were the queen of that house.
That house will soon be sold and only be another part of my memory and the memories of your children. Happy times and sad times in the shadowed corridors of our personal histories. We will remember and pass the memories to our children who also remember from their own experiences.
Mother, you shaped lives and created a home that may no longer exist in a physical tangible place where we can be, but will continue to exist nevertheless as a place of comfort, warmth, and safety in our memories.
I love you, Mom, and I miss you.
In Memory of Lois K Jackson
April 11, 1929 -- November 21, 2014
Wow a year already! Sorry Lee.
ReplyDeleteJoJo,thank you--each year seems to go faster the older I get.
DeleteLee
sounds like she was a really great lady and a mom, Lee! She will be happy if you are the same parent to your kids.
ReplyDeleteDezmond, everyone seemed to like both my Mom and Dad. They were pretty cool people. I've tried my best to be a good parent to my kids and when they've thanked me for their upbringing it made me feel pretty good. And now it's their turn to be parents and they seem to be doing a good job as well.
DeleteLee
Life indeed does happen quickly. I remember an older woman saying our lives were short. I knew she thought I understood. I didn't. Twenty years later, I understand.
ReplyDeleteWe have been lucky to have mother's as rocks and to live in relatively stable and financially good times.
I had a lump in my throat as I read your post. We never have a friend as good as our mothers. We were blessed.
Ann, I feel badly for those who have had the same kind of experience as I had with my parents. I agree that it was a blessing for me.
DeleteLee
My condolences, Lee. I can imagine how painful clearing out and selling your mother's home must have been. Thankfully, you have those wonderful memories to draw upon. I'm always freaked out by how quickly time passes these days!
ReplyDeleteDebbie, The cleaning and sorting still isn't done. My sister has boxes of stuff she's taken to her house that we still need to figure out what to do with--photos, letters, and so many other personal items now family history.
DeleteTime is going way too fast these days.
Lee
Man, it's tough.
ReplyDeleteEven when it's pretty good, life is hard.
Snuggle up in the good, warm memories, LEE.
~ D-FensDogG
STMcC, she had a long good life so I can feel good about that. Thanks for your good thoughts.
DeleteLee
Ah Arlee - your Mother would be proud to read your loving tribute to her. Yes, our mothers were a blessing to us.
ReplyDeleteSusan S., my mother was one of my most faithful blog readers.
DeleteLee
Hi Lee - as Susan mentions ... your mother will be proud. I still talk to mine ... and we remember things that way - I'm sorry the house is being sold, but we do move on ... it's just you don't like to let go ... nor do I - memories ... people, places and those fun times - my thoughts to you at this time - Hilary
ReplyDeleteHilary, if I were wealthier than I am I'd keep the house and fix it up, but too bad--can't afford it.
DeleteLee
She may have left the house she made a home, but never the hearts that remember. A lovely tribute, Arlee.
ReplyDeleteI used to think the days and months were endless after my grandma first passed on. And clearing out her house was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do; watching pieces of her - pieces of my life, leaving in the hands of strangers. But you know, most of the strangers were smiling and even had the decency to offer condolences.
On blue days I like to recall favorite memories - even share them. May your memories brighten your holiday with the warmth of all the love she gave you.
Diedre, I've got lot's to remember her by besides the memories themselves. Can't keep everything though.
DeleteLee
If only I can be remembered with this much love, Lee. Your mom is smiling at your tribute.
ReplyDeleteTeresa, I hope so too.
DeleteLee
Dear Lee, this is such a lovely, touching tribute to your mother. She sounds like a fine woman who cherished life and all humanity. Truly, she was a blessing in your life. And a blessing to and from the Universe. Peace.
ReplyDeleteDee, she was the best Mom I ever had :)
DeleteLee