I woke up at night and suddenly the word came to me
as to how I feel, it is that I suddenly feel old.
Maybe because as long as I had my mom,
I felt young.
Maybe because I have first hand seen the
impact that she has had
on many who have expressed it now.
It is a sobering thing to wash her last loads of laundry,
bright tops I can still see her in,
only in my memory, with no lasting charm.
But, the things others have said to me,
the impact she had,
imprints of how she loved,
cared for, prayed for, welcomed and accepted them -
those are the thoughts filling my mind,
and not just my mind,
but my very being feeling cloaked
with a mantle I've never worn.
So teach me to number my days, Lord.
Let me remember what will truly matter
when all is said and done.
6 comments:
Your mom left such a good example of a ‘life well-lived’. May it be a reminder to those who come after her to focus on things that matter most.
What a lovely heritage your mom left you and your family. How hard this must be for you. May God grant you daily strength and comfort.
These words ring so true for me Anneliese! When all is said and done indeed! It's such a blessing to hear the heartfelt stories of how your loved one affected other's lives in such positive ways.
Going through closets and drawers. No words to describe the empty feelings and deeply mixed emotions. "Old" comes to mind here too. Hugs ...
You have a wonderful gift in expressing yourself, Anneliese. Beautifully written. It is strange to realize that we are now the matriarchs and patriarchs of our families.
I feel like now it’s up to me to be the grown up. I know I’ve been a grown up for a while but this is more serious. I guess we can say we are the old grown ups. But we do have a great example to follow.
I always loved your mom's positive attitude and love for others! Anneliese, you have many of her qualities that I sooo appreciate in you, but remember, one day will be such an amazing reunion with all our loved ones. Miss you so much my sister-in-love!!
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