My mother passed away yesterday afternoon. after a long (ninety years) and well-spent life.
She would not expect to be celebrated here. She was a quiet woman, never given to excess, something of a worrier (well, world-class, really), unassuming, gentle. She was a good and doting mother, a superlative daughter, a fond if somewhat baffled grandmother (where did all these boys come from?) and great-grandmother (more boys? Six of them? For goodness’s sake!), a devoted aunt, a long-suffering sister and a kind and caring friend.
Life didn’t always seem fair to her and, indeed, there were trials and tribulations in hers that she certainly never deserved. But she endured, and whatever happened, she kept going. Sometimes she fretted. Sometimes in private she muttered. But she was unfailingly polite and gracious to the world at large.
Few people knew her well. Even I didn’t feel as if I always knew what made her tick. She was a private person. A constant person. She had Expectations.
She didn’t have to tell us. We knew.
And we tried to live up to them (well, except for providing her with more granddaughters and great-granddaughters. But at least she got one of the first and two of the second. And despite her bafflement, she did love those boys. She just never understood them.).
But she was quietly proud of them all, and of all the family accomplishments. One of the last things I did on Sunday was read her an article in the local newspaper celebrating our oldest son’s baseball career. I don’t know if she heard me, but I think she knew.
She had a good ninety years. Undoubtedly, in her estimation, they could have been better. But better, I believe, was reserved for the life she began yesterday. I’m sure she was welcomed with open arms by the family waiting for her, and the joy she had been waiting and hoping for was finally at hand.
I loved her. I’ll miss her. I’ll always carry her in my heart.
Anne, My deepest sympathies to you and your family. I’m sure she’ll be much missed by you all.
Chris.
Anne,
Wishing you the blessing of sweet memories. And the happiness mothers always want for their children.
Anna
What a lovely tribute to your mother. You will both be in my thoughts.
A lovely tribute to a fine lady. She would be honoured, even if she didn’t expect it. I’m so glad that I had the chance to meet her even if just the once and she was, as you say, unfailingly polite and gracious. You will miss her – and so will all those boys – and she will live on in each and every one of you.
My sympathy is with you all.
What an amazing sentiment to your mother. She was blessed with so many who loved her, and I’m sure she would be (as Kate said) honored to know your thoughts and kind words about her.
Thoughts and prayers with you always.
Chris, Anna, Jill, Kate and Heather,
Thank you all so much for your kind words, thoughts and sympathy. I appreciate it — as do all those boys and grandboys (and their sisters). We will miss her. She provided us with endless opportunities to try to see the world from a very different viewpoint. It was a challenge we relished at the same time we were often left blinking in amazement.
But we loved her and she loved us– and that’s a tribute to her ability to overcome good sense at times!
She sounds like an amazing woman and beloved by all. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Thank you, Lacey. We loved her.
Our condolences are extended to you and your lovely family
on the loss of your dear mother. You all now have another
angel in heaven who will lovingly watch over you. God
Bless You!
Pat Cochran
Thank you, Pat. She watched over us all her life. That will never change. She’s just got a better vantage point now!
Coming in late on this, but my condolences are no less sincere. Your mother sounded like a great lady and she will leave a big hole in your lives.
Margaret, thank you for your condolences. She is deeply missed. I’m sorry to miss you in England at RNA, but I hope you had a great conference. I would not have been at my best this year, so I hope to come another time. Have a wonderful summer.
Anne,
I just read your blog. You and your family have my deepest sympathy. The tribute that you wrote is beautiful. Your many memories will help you keep your Mom in your heart.
A year ago friends of ours lost their 26 year old son. Their other children came across the poem below and posted it on his tribute. I hope that reading it will bring you some comfort.
I’m Free
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free
I’m following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard him call;
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way;
I found that place at the close of day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared a laugh, a kiss;
Ah yes, these things, I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full, I savored much;
Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch.
Perhaps my time seems all to brief;
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me,
God wanted me now, He set me free.
~© Linda Jo Jackson~