Our life living off the land in our log cabin, breathing fresh mountain air, and getting back to basics.

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Mom Would Have Liked This Place

Today's post is in memory of my mom Jeannine, who passed away unexpectedly 26 years ago today.  She was only 51.  Though it sounds like a long time ago, I still wake in the wee hours of this particular morning remembering the call from my dad; I don't do it on purpose, it just happens.  The tears are fewer now when I think of her than when her loss was so fresh, but I still cry now and then, and I guess I always will.

Last year on this day, we started our seedlings indoors in her memory (we've sown them directly into the garden this year).  Today, I thought I would share some of the bright and cheerful things I know she would have liked, and I hope you do too.

Blueberry buds (know what's crazy?  I don't know if she liked blueberries or not!).

I'm not sure what type of bloom this is, it's on a small tree, but it's fascinating.

Carolina vetch (not a very pretty sounding name, but a delightful little flower)...

...same thing but closer.

Simple dew drops on grass.


Dandelion puff.

Wild geranium...
...a little closer.

Dogwood blooms.


This is my mom (a picture of a picture).  I remember the day this picture was taken like it was yesterday...it was one of the best times I'd ever had with her, and I am so grateful and will treasure those days forever, because it was the weekend before she died.  Special memories!

For any of you women/girls who have lost your mom (or know someone who has), Motherless Daughters by Hope Edelman is an excellent book (there are supplemental publications as well).  Also, The Fall of Freddy The Leaf by Leo Buscaglia is one of my favorites for understanding the circle of life.  And for those of you who have experienced this loss (or that of someone else) may your memories bring you peace...you are not alone.

Thanks for reading my blog, you are the best f/f/r/s/f's, see you tomorrow,
Lise

6 comments:

Susie Swanson said...

Oh what a beautiful tribute to your mom.. I can so relate to your emotions and tears.. I lost mine in 1997 and I still miss her so much.. Like you, I still cry at times but I try to remember the good memories, that's what keeps me going. Your mother was a beautiful woman just like her daughter.. hugs. xo

Osage Bluff Quilter said...

A sweet post. Your Mom is smiling down on your from above.

My little Lizzie today was blowing dandelions off and into the garden. Oh to be little again.

Dad/Pepere said...

Thanks for the memories...yes, she liked blueberries and we would pick some in the country before you were born. Big, big, hugs!

Lise said...

Thanks Susie, hugs back to you. Memories are treasured, no doubt about it.

Thanks Patti...I'd love to have Lizzie blowing the dandelion seeds at our place, love dandelion salad!

I knew you'd let me know about the blueberries dad. Hugs back to you, looking forward to chatting about your trip!

Carver said...

Beautiful shots and tribute to your mom. My mother died in 1990 when I was 33 and I still miss her so very much.

Lise said...

Thanks Carver, it's not easy to loose your mom, especially when you are still young. My thoughts are with you