Today's blog is more serious than most. It is in memory of my mother, Hilda Rose Isaacs, who passed away on Friday at the age of 101. She was a loving, spirited and intelligent person who was loved and admired by many. She always looked forward. She was eager to embrace new things, and at the age of 80 asked for a computer so she could learn how to use it and do email. I taught her the basics in about a day-and-a-half, and from that point on she was off and running on her own.
She loved butterflies, so today's image is in honor of her.
While her loss is great and I will miss her very much, sadly it was her time and she is now at peace. She was lucid to the end, even though her body failed her.
The following poem, written by David Harkins, was read at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth's mother in 2002. It was read today at my mother's funeral, and sums up in a positive way what my mother would have wanted her family and friends to feel about her passing.
"You can shed tears because she is gone, or you can smile because she has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back, or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left.
Your heart can be empty because you can't see her, or you can be full of the love that you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember her and only that she is gone. or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back, or you can do what she would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on."
I give thanks to my mother for giving me life, showing me how to live and how to love, how to follow my heart, how to be understanding and kind, and how to embrace life to the fullest.
Goodbye, mom. Godspeed.
TECHNICAL DATA
Shutter Speed 1/250 sec. Aperture f/5. ISO 800. Lens: Canon 100mm macro f/2.8L IS. Camera: Canon 5D Mark III. Handheld.
TODAY'S QUOTE: "I have found that if you love life, life will love you back." --Arthur Rubenstein
I am so sorry for your loss. Lovely memorial! Hope you are well.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
ReplyDeleteIt's very hard to lose someone as special as you describe your mother, who has been with you for so long. Blessings to both of you and may she rest in love and peace.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to lose someone as special as your mother was, who has been there your whole life. Blessings to you both and may she rest in love and peace.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to lose someone as special as your mother was, who has been there your whole life. Blessings to you both and may she rest in love and peace.
ReplyDeleteSorry for your loss. Your Mom sounds like quite the woman.
ReplyDeleteI know what it is like to experience your Mom's - end of life. But it is another beginning ! Best to you !!
ReplyDeleteA lovely poem. I'm sorry for your loss Molly.
ReplyDeleteThat was a lovely poem. Sorry for your loss Molly.
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