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As it must happen to all of us, our parents die. That was a hard thing for me to accept because although I was getting older in my mind and heart Mom and Dad would always be what they had always been, loving, supportive, helpful and well, just there. It didn't happen that way.
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I know many of you have lost loved ones and cried because you could not do more to ease the way. I guess it's under the title of Shit Happens or Simply Life. You do what you can.
My parents are gone.
We live where they began. Honoring the land, honoring their wishes. Never was much of a gardener, not my passion. I was always a more hands on animal person but I've changed as we all did. We do what's needed to return the farm to Mom and Dad's time.
My sisters and I are here with family and we are the elder ones. Through tornadoes, ice storms, personal illnesses and family emergencies we still are here.
I look around and agree with Toni, even though there are tons of things left to be repaired, upgraded, cultivated, it's beginning to look like Mom and Dad are still here.
There is a peace here that I find no other place. We try to follow in our parents' foot steps but find it difficult for us.
I feel the joy they felt and see the treasure they saw in this beautiful valley. I know they are watching over us and proud of what we've accomplished by doing it their way.
I smile. I know Mamma is pleased that I am still tending her flowers.
21 comments:
Mama's flowers are so beautiful.. my mama had the hydrangeas like in your middle photo. you are blessed to be where your family started. my parents are gone as are the 5 houses we lived in my first 18 years, now they are replaced with concrete and shopping centers.. but her flowers live in my memory and her loving nature does to...
What a nice compliment, and a great tribute to your mother to be tending her flowers.
I know your mama is pleased. I bet she smiles down on you every time she sees you out tending the yard.
On another note, my bit of your garden is planted. A post will be coming...eventually! Thanks :))
That was a wonderful thing for him to say. And just as wonderful you are carrying on the tradition of your parents.
It still has a touch of you with rocks and rock gardens though.
What a beautiful post. :)
My mom is starting to decline. Within the month, we are transferring Executor from my brother to myself, and then I will take over all her financial tasks. It's the least that I can do. I know the time ahead will be challenging, but hubby and I do what we can every week to also cherish the good times with her that we can still share.
Peace be to you, for having already lost both of your parents. Bless you for carrying on their legacies. :)
your post fills my heart. and i sure love toni. :)
They are both there, in every little corner, or tulips that blooms. Their spirits are happy too, as life goes on with their memories everyday to greet you. I know they both are smiling down from the heavens on you all.
Gail,
When you smell a flower a beautiful flower, hear a bird or maybe a bee buzz by, when you feel the wind blow, and hear the leaves on the tree's move it's your parents letting you know they're right there with you appreciating all that you've done for them and the farm.
You are your parents daughter and have inherited all the knowledge they showed you. It shows in your beautiful flowers.
Lynne x
Keeping up their memory is the best tribute to them.
Did your lilacs bloom this year? After their prolific 3 times last year, I think my lilacs are exhausted.
Gail - what a lovely post. I can so relate to everything you say.
Life and memories are so precious and 'Mamma's Flowers' look so good.
Well Done
All the best Jan
This is so beautiful - thank you for this lovely post.
I found it incredibly hard losing my parents - first my Mom eight years ago and then my Dad last year. The worst was that I was so far away. As much as I love living in the States, when my parents died I wish I had lived back in Germany.
My Mom has always loved tending to flowers and plants, but she only had a balcony with her potted plants. I have a garden and love to garden. Whenever I'm out gardening I think of my Mom and how much she loved it. I certainly inherited this love. My Dad is the one who gave me the passion for photography. Two things that I love that still connect me to them and makes me feel they are still close.
Oh, how blest they were to have a daughter like you. I don't know all your sisters, but they sound like good people. Good hearts.
That is something I am grateful for. I had good daughters. I will not want as I age. My sons..they have wives. :) but...they love their Mom.
I am so glad you are home now and not at the Post Office. Good grief! You would think I lived across the road. LOL
Sending love!
Mona
Just read your ghost story..
Those "orbs" are all OVER THIS HOUSE!
I've caught them in flight..and now my daughter in law and granddaughter have a video of them..you have to put your finger on the screen and time it just right to stop the picture..and there it is! What on this God's green earth ARE they!
I would really like to know. I am dealing with them every single day here.
Hugs!
I can tell you are connected to your place. Not just any place, but a place of family history where love and hard worked lived and still lives. I'm glad you're a keeper of family things, too.
♥
God bless.
What a sweet tribute to your parents. The flowers are lovely. I know how you feel. My dad is gone now and my mom is aging quickly and depends on me for so much now. It's hard to see her getting older and I know someday she'll be gone as well. I have some of her flowers from our old home and of course will have her place next door when she's gone so I'll keep some living memories of her as well like you do.
You are fortunate to have had wonderful parents in your life!...:)JP
Your family is blessed. Roots are so important, or you drift through life never feeling a sense of belonging.
This post is so touching to me, Gail. The legacy of family...and the land...is so important. You are one of the few still living in a way that, I believe, we would all be blessed to live.
=)
Beautiful Gail . . .
Momma Papa happy and proud . . .
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