"How about we get together Saturday night to celebrate?"Family celebrations are too rare and it had been awhile, and of course, being the end of August, we had a very special occasion to celebrate. And so, my two brothers and my sister-in-law all came over Saturday and off we went to dinner, after they'd suitably oohed and aaahed over the new staircase.
"ooooh ..." "aaaah ..."
Sitting in the little Mexican place, the conversation and laughter flowed. There's a certain type of "speech shorthand" that families use, pacing and phrases that are so natural and familiar from years spent growing up together. Our family dinners have always been very lively discussions, switching swiftly from serious politics and world leaders to laughing about celebs or reality shows.
When our food arrived, we all raised our glasses (theirs, iced tea; mine, water) and drank a toast in celebration of our reason for getting together. It was a lovely evening and a great time spent with those I love.
This afternoon, I picked up a bouquet of flowers and drove over for my own private celebration. I got out of the car, holding the flowers as I walked up. What a gorgeous day! The sun gently shining, a soft breeze stirring the large lacy tree overhead, the lush expanse of green stretching in front of me.
I clipped the stems of the flowers, filled the vase with water and arranged the blooms carefully, making sure they were even all the way around. I took care of the cleaning and polishing, then folded my hands in prayer as the breeze turned and lifted my hair so slightly, as if she was caressing it. I let the tears spill today. "Don't cry, mija; don't cry." she said to me. But crying felt good, felt cleansing.
Mom would have been 80 years old this week. I love you so much, Mom!
12 comments:
What a great picture of your mom and you. Sweet memories.
hey rose, thanks for dropping by my blog. what wonderful moments with you family, and thats a sweet photo of you and your mom.
((((Rose)))))
I am so happy that you knew the great blessing of a mother's love - may she hold you close forever in your heart and soul. A precious photo, indeed.
Love,
Kim
H2H hugs to you Rose! I know you have many sweet memories of your beautiful mother. That is a great picture of the two of you.
I can see where you get your enduring, radiant beauty, Rose! What a wonderful tribute to those who have passed and those who are still living!
I am blessed to call you a friend!
Hi Rose,
Whatever you write about Rose, your love is always reflected in your words. Your mother instilled in you a wonderful gift of love for everything. You always see the good in everything and everyone. I have praised God so many times for letting our paths crossed in this life time.
After reading your thoughts on any subject, I feel so good inside. I have been truly Blessed to have you as a friend.
When we fixed our PC probems, we upgraded to fast internet. Finally, I can hear your beautiful music.
Love you,
Connie
This is what I meant when i wrote about that mother and daughter I saw. The experience you had with your own mother makes her always always forever present in your life.
As for me, I don't know. I just had an argument with one of my sons and right now don't feel too much of anything like a good mom.
Your writing is so tender. Family is always the first and last love of all.
What a lovely tribute, to your mother and to family.
My eyes filled with tears as I read this, Rose. It's so evident how very much your mother meant/means to you. I feel the same way about my mother. It's been 31 years and I have accepted her passing but the "missing her" has never changed. Mom would have been 70 in January of this year.
Hugs to you,
Lisa
Rose...I miss you! I hope you arent working to hard.
I'm sitting in my cubie at work eating lunch and reading your blog with moist tears in my eyes.
I love the picture of you and your mom. Too cute.
You are blessed.
Peace and love,
D.
Aw, Rose, what a touching post! Where the heck have you been, woman? We're worried about you! Please post something else inspiring, would ya'? :)
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