Thursday 13 November 2008

Remembering

My Mum
13 May 1933 - 13 November 2006


This photograph was taken by one of my sisters just a few months before my Mum died so suddenly and unexpectedly two years ago today. It sums up her joy for life, and enthusiasm for having a go at anything and everything. She was the glue that held our family together, and we all, in our own way, fell apart without her. And when more of our loved ones, both human and animal, joined her in those following months, it felt like we were diving in to an abyss.

Dillon
7 July 2000 - 9 February 2007


Dillon, my retriever, was just six and a half when he died. He was my own little bit of family here in Cornwall. And a real water baby.

I was sent this prayer/blessing by a dear friend in London, and without a doubt it kept me going.


A Pueblo Indian Prayer

Hold on to what is good,
Even if it's a handful of earth.
Hold on to what you believe,
Even if it's a tree that stands by itself.
Hold on to what you must do,
Even if it's a long way from here.
Hold on to your life,
Even if it's easier to let go.
Hold on to my hand,
Even if I've gone away from you.

And life does go on....you learn to accommodate your losses, and find a new 'normal' - whatever that might be. And I like to think that if my Mum were able to read it she would have enjoyed my little blog. Mum, we all miss you more than words can say...

19 comments:

Simone said...

Oh Diana. You have me crying. Your Mum looked like the most wonderful and vivacious person. What a lovely smile! Dillon was a gorgeous boy. We have our memories Diana and that's what we hold on to. Thank you for sharing such a personal post. It really touched my heart. x

A time to dance said...

What a lovely prayer and a wonderful picture - your Mum looks fantastic - great fun and full of the pure joy of life! what a beautiful tribute to her - I would love to be described as someone who held the family together. She sounds like an amazing woman, how fortunate you are that she was part of your life and responsible for shaping you into who you are...that love and nuturing and influence means that her legacy lives on through you........... Every blessing H

Ali said...

Hugs hugs hugs.

dottycookie said...

What wonderful photos, and a lovely poem. I know you'll hold on to your memories. My mother in law gave me some anemones before she died, and every time I see them outside my kitchen window, I think of her and am reminded of how important she was - and is. Hugs.

Gina said...

The photo of your mum says it all - such joy. That's a wonderful poem. Thinking of you. x

Anonymous said...

What an excellent photo of your Mum. I'm sorry for your loss. My Mum's been through breast cancer and then a quadruple bypass. I can't imagine what life would be like without her around....

alice c said...

Such joie de vivre remains alive because it creates such wonderful memories. Your mother looks like an exceptional person - thank you for sharing such a special photo.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful photo of your Mum - she looks so happy, as does Dillon swimming! Moments to treasurex

Pipany said...

Wish I had known you then Diana and been able to offer a shoulder to lean or cry on, silent company when silence is all that's needed or someone to scream at when it's all just too bloody hard. Glad I can be a friend now. Thinking of you my lovely xxx

Gina said...

I too, lost my mom two years ago. There were days that I thought I wouldn't be able to go on. You have such beautiful memories of her, thanks for sharing a little of them.

Heart in the country said...

Your Mum looked lovely and sparkly Diana with a natural enthusiasm , and Dillon was gorgeous! Such a lovely prayer - no wonder it helped.

Take Care

Kimx

driftwood said...

thinking of you Diana xx

Louise said...

What a lovely mum to lose so suddenly, I am so sad for you Diana, you must miss her very much ... and to lose Dillon so soon after too. You have had a lot of pain to cope with, spending time, and the support of family and friends. is so important. I love the blessing, I am going to print it, and keep it with me, the words are so true. Sending love and a big hug down to you in Cornwall. x

Anonymous said...

I am so so sorry. Truly.

Sally Anne said...

Thank you Diana for sharing such a beautiful post. Your Mum was such a beautiful person inside and out, and I know having lost my Dad that special memories will come flooding back to you just when you need them the most. Dillon was a darling too and the memories of those happy times together will help with the pain of your loss.
Thinking of you so much this weekend. Thank you for the beautiful prayer.

Tracy x said...

this beautiful prayer helped me at a very dark time and i have you to thank for that.....x

i am so sorry that you have lost such wonderful souls - it is now my turn to offer you many, many hugs xxxx

t x

kristina said...

I can definitely see what a wonderfully vivacious person your mum must have been. But I can't even begin to imagine your sadness.

And Dillon too. I still get teary thinking about our Lab Cyrano, but I can laugh now as well thinking about all the silly messes he'd get himself into.

Will be thinking of you over the coming weeks.

Love, K x

Lisa said...

Thank you for sharing that beautiful poem.
The last lines made me cry so much.
I only just found your blog this evening, I was hopping around blogs in an attempt to ignore the ironing!
I lost my darling dad a couple of months ago and so this has really struck a chord with me.
I'll be back another day for a longer look round.
Take good care of yourself.
Lisa

JuliaB said...

Beautiful pictures Diana. Your mother looks like an extraordinary, shining woman. You must have some wonderful memories of her. x