One of things that this period of time has created is that when we have had loved ones pass away, in many cases, restrictions that still to this day don't make and didn't make sense has meant that many have grieved alone or far less having the human touch console them during these difficult times.
I’ve been thinking how fortunate we were in a sense that mom left us before this 18 plus months came upon us but it still doesn't take the sting out of missing her. In fact, to tell what Mom means to me still wouldn't be equal to any book that could be written.
It will be 3 birthdays and not quite 3 years since she left this earth and man, do I miss her……
Forward Friday is all about precious memories of Bumble Bea and for those of us who have lost a loved one; a parent(s), sibling, child, friend at any time but especially in the past period of time, I do hope that reading this week's post would bring back our own wonderful, encouraging, beautiful memories to help ease the loss of the one we miss.
I know others have walked this road before me and countless others will at some point so maybe in telling what made mom so special to me, it will help remind us of our own precious memories of our loved one... For the one who feels their loss in some varying degree today, just know we are not alone on this road of remembrance, grieving and processing.
Precious Memories
Mom was my protector; you didn’t want to mess with her boys and mistreat them; she could smile and love on you but she had a bear like quality to stand up for her cubs and ward off the detractors and the like…..
Mom taught us how to have fun; mom would be the one who would get the ball out and kick and play with us… in her pencil skirt and jacket and look beyond classy in it while going full tilt with her boys.
Mom would have grace to put up with our craziness and silliness… but she had a limit line that you didn’t want to cross her. She always knew what we were up to and our attempts to try and fool her would seemingly go up in smoke pretty much all the time…. But we would try!!
Mom was not the disciplinarian of the house but….. if we went over the imaginary line, mom could bring the heat. Only twice do I ever recall going, “Better not mess with her again!” And that’s all it ever took.
Mom taught us as much as dad to want to have a relationship with God and it showed in how she devoted her life to praying, teaching, learning, wanting to be a little better than the day before. And she didn’t just tell us; she modeled it and helped us as we walked then and now in our own spiritual journey.
Mom showed us how to treat people; she was adept to making people feel like they were the most important people to her which they were. We received that love all the time without the syrup…….
Mom taught us that holding a grudge or holding resentment did nothing for us; it only hurt us the longer we held on to those things. Mom could have written a book on pain; her beginnings and teenage life were filled with it but mom learned to let stuff go fast and because of it, her smile was genuine.
Mom showed us that forgiveness was a gift we give ourselves…. She knew how to forgive quickly. Never run over and fooled but mom didn’t have a heavy bag to carry around….
I think mom would be struck by the incredible tribalism that has gripped our land. The shaming of friends and family, the cancelling, the open scorn and ridicule would make her heart sad that people would forget that we are all human, we all count and matter and the tearing of the fabric of human relationships wear at our very foundations.
Mom was an amazing cook and hostess. Mom could make the most discriminating, cranky, fussy person warm up and it didn’t hurt that she could blow it up culinary wise and warm the heart with her personality and charm.
Mom knew how to laugh and joke around. Mom could give it and take it and made life fun…. Guess that’s where I got it from….
Mom knew how to come along side of us and anyone else for that matter and make you feel better even during really dark times. The care, warmth and genuine and love and concern for someone/us was of a deep quality that still resonates in my mind today as I think of her today.
I miss my mom more than ever and this weekend will be probably be another sad, tough, miss mom moment. But I have a feeling if she could say something, she would be saying, “Dave, you maybe missing me but always remember that It's Going To Get Better"!
There is this song that I’ve been thinking about this week and it best describes my thoughts when I think about mom.
For those of us who are struggling missing someone we truly loved and cared for, I hope and trust that these words could soothe some of the ache, pain and missing.
Take the time to appreciate those close to us this weekend as I’m sure we all try and do….
Precious memories, how they linger.
I miss you Mom!
Precious memories, unseen angels,
Sent from somewhere to my soul
How they linger, ever near me
And the sacred past unfolds
Precious memories how they linger
How they ever flood my soul
In the stillness, of the midnight
Precious sacred scenes unfold
Precious father, loving mother
Fly across the lonely years
And old home scenes of my childhood
In fond memory appears
I remember Mother praying
Father too, on bended knee
The sun is sinking, shadows falling
But their prayers still follow me
Precious memories how they linger
How they ever flood my soul
In the stillness, of the midnight
Precious sacred scenes unfold
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