This Mother's Day weekend was braided with love and grief. I invited the memories that comfort rather than the ones that haunt me. Even dementia can't take away the love.
With so much love to you as you continue your mother's legacy of love so very beautifully as illustrated by the glorious relationships you have created and sustain with Marielle & Sara.♡♡♡♡
My kindred writing friend - we both wrote about David Whyte and his book Consolations. this week We keep doing this sort of thing! Synchronicity! David has been a balm to my soul and I'm sure his words are softening things for you.
I love that you revisited those earlier journals on Mother's Day. Goosebumps reading this:
"it was uncanny how quickly that reflection conveyed ‘mother', as if I carried a part of her within me. It was comforting to think one of my layers resembled hers. It was like a glimpse into what my middle-aged face would look like."
You will always carry her with you. And the words you continue to write are part of her legacy. xoxo
Allison, I also saw in your most recent beautiful essay for paid subscribers, that I look forward to relishing this evening, that you referenced David Whyte and Consolations. I pick up one of his books of poetry or Consolations nearly every day. I am forever grateful that Laura McKowen introduced his work to me. Thank you for your comment here, on seeing exactly what I tried to convey and for the kind words about MY words being part of Mom's legacy. There is no greater purpose that I could imagine for my writing. She was always my biggest champion, in every way.
Listening to your soothing voice almost brought tears to my eyes. Having this closeness with your mother is a treasure to behold as it isn’t given so freely for some of us. While my mother did love her five daughters, I have not had the same experience as you so eloquently stated. But love is love in different forms and even may disguise itself sometimes. As I was privileged to know Frida, I was taken aback by her wisdom and love she so spectacularly shared with all she met. She is missed for those of us around her as well. ❤️
This is such a heartwarming and beautiful tribute to the love that your mother has gifted you throughout your life, and the love that continues to live in you and gets passed on to your own daughters. Beyong the family, this love is also generously shared with friends who got to know you all. I count it a blessing to have gotten to know Freda and witnessed the beautiful love between you!
You're right that not everyone gets to experience this kind of motherly love, and Mother's Day can be difficult for those who have lost their moms, just as you have, as well as those who have frought relationships or are estranged with their mothers. Thank you for being inclusive in your writing.
What a an honest and raw reflection of the journey of having and being and losing a mother and all that there is to reflect and appreciate on Mother’s Day 💖
Thank you Nicole, I appreciate it so much. Motherhood is complex and beautiful and challenging and painful and rewarding--all the things--and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Beautiful reflection on your relationship with your Mom. I’m so glad I got to know her with our adventures in Florida. I loved the time we met in Dunedin and your Mom surprised me when she went right up to a tree and gave it a big hug! I thought I was the only tree hugger I knew, and from there on I felt this kindred connection to her. 🥰🌴🌳🌿
Thank you Amy and for sharing that wonderful memory from Dunedin and her tree hugging! She had the gift of making so many people feel intimately connected to her.
Counting my lucky stars to have you as my beloved mamma. And indebted to both you and grandma for teaching me to nurture and inspiring me to lead a life filled with love for others and myself. Thank you, for this beautiful tribute to all the mothers, daughters and nurturers 💕
Thank you darling daughter, for being the second born and doubling my bliss in mother love. I can't wait to see you soon and wrap you in a hug as we commemorate and celebrate Grandma's life.
Amy, what a hard, hard loss. Your mom lives again in your words. And I love that photo of you in her arms. She looks about 16.
With so much love to you as you continue your mother's legacy of love so very beautifully as illustrated by the glorious relationships you have created and sustain with Marielle & Sara.♡♡♡♡
Thank you, Kristin, for witnessing the stories I tell here with such love and appreciation. It means so much to me.
Thank You for telling your stories with such compassion and wisdom and vulnerability ♡
My kindred writing friend - we both wrote about David Whyte and his book Consolations. this week We keep doing this sort of thing! Synchronicity! David has been a balm to my soul and I'm sure his words are softening things for you.
I love that you revisited those earlier journals on Mother's Day. Goosebumps reading this:
"it was uncanny how quickly that reflection conveyed ‘mother', as if I carried a part of her within me. It was comforting to think one of my layers resembled hers. It was like a glimpse into what my middle-aged face would look like."
You will always carry her with you. And the words you continue to write are part of her legacy. xoxo
Allison, I also saw in your most recent beautiful essay for paid subscribers, that I look forward to relishing this evening, that you referenced David Whyte and Consolations. I pick up one of his books of poetry or Consolations nearly every day. I am forever grateful that Laura McKowen introduced his work to me. Thank you for your comment here, on seeing exactly what I tried to convey and for the kind words about MY words being part of Mom's legacy. There is no greater purpose that I could imagine for my writing. She was always my biggest champion, in every way.
Listening to your soothing voice almost brought tears to my eyes. Having this closeness with your mother is a treasure to behold as it isn’t given so freely for some of us. While my mother did love her five daughters, I have not had the same experience as you so eloquently stated. But love is love in different forms and even may disguise itself sometimes. As I was privileged to know Frida, I was taken aback by her wisdom and love she so spectacularly shared with all she met. She is missed for those of us around her as well. ❤️
This is such a heartwarming and beautiful tribute to the love that your mother has gifted you throughout your life, and the love that continues to live in you and gets passed on to your own daughters. Beyong the family, this love is also generously shared with friends who got to know you all. I count it a blessing to have gotten to know Freda and witnessed the beautiful love between you!
You're right that not everyone gets to experience this kind of motherly love, and Mother's Day can be difficult for those who have lost their moms, just as you have, as well as those who have frought relationships or are estranged with their mothers. Thank you for being inclusive in your writing.
What a an honest and raw reflection of the journey of having and being and losing a mother and all that there is to reflect and appreciate on Mother’s Day 💖
Thank you Nicole, I appreciate it so much. Motherhood is complex and beautiful and challenging and painful and rewarding--all the things--and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Beautiful reflection on your relationship with your Mom. I’m so glad I got to know her with our adventures in Florida. I loved the time we met in Dunedin and your Mom surprised me when she went right up to a tree and gave it a big hug! I thought I was the only tree hugger I knew, and from there on I felt this kindred connection to her. 🥰🌴🌳🌿
Thank you Amy and for sharing that wonderful memory from Dunedin and her tree hugging! She had the gift of making so many people feel intimately connected to her.
Counting my lucky stars to have you as my beloved mamma. And indebted to both you and grandma for teaching me to nurture and inspiring me to lead a life filled with love for others and myself. Thank you, for this beautiful tribute to all the mothers, daughters and nurturers 💕
Thank you darling daughter, for being the second born and doubling my bliss in mother love. I can't wait to see you soon and wrap you in a hug as we commemorate and celebrate Grandma's life.