22 Years Ago Today
When I think back, it doesn’t seem like it was 22 years ago today when God called mom home. My mom was such a beautiful person both inside and out. She was kind, caring, full of compassion and loved everyone. I don’t remember ever hearing a harsh word from her month. Mom was a secretary in the Junior High school and was loved by everyone in the school district. She loved flowers, I remember the garden of iris we had plus three beautiful purple lilac bushes. I wish I had pictures of some of the cakes she decorated as a side business. She loved baking cakes and decorating them for birthdays, graduations, weddings, parties, so many beautiful decorated cakes! She even made my wedding cake! I’m just rambling about some things that stick in my mind and they drifted out today.
Mom had Alzheimer’s and that is such a cruel illness, both for the patient and loved ones who watch a beautiful person fade away. Even though mom couldn’t communicate with words, she did with her eyes. Mom would get so excited when we brought Alexandra to visit her. She was only 78 years old, ten days shy of her birthday, when she passed away 22 years ago today and not a day goes by that I don’t talk with her. This is a blog I wrote some years back. http://themarthareview.com/memories-of-moms-alzheimers/
We have a memory garden in our backyard for mom, some of the plants were given to us when she passed away. The pink azelea bush was in a gallon container when we planted in in January 2002 and look at it now, it’s over 6′ across! The plants and flowers are thriving because mom is looking down on them. Both my hubby and I have seen mom over the years, she doesn’t stay long but we feel her presence. A few years ago I made a cross for mom’s garden and last year we added the large angel. http://themarthareview.com/moms-memory-garden/
Mom always drops pennies ( and even quarters) down from heaven and I pick them up, look to the sky and tell mom I love her. My mom was the best, that’s the only way I can describe her. I would save the pennies in a jar and two years ago I made a plaque from some of them and outlined it in dried roses from her memory garden. http://themarthareview.com/pennies-from-heaven-plaque-for-mom/
Mom also loved cardinals and every time I see them in the yard I know it’s mom sending down her love to let us know that she is always watching over her family. I love and miss you so much mom.
We are a gift from up above,
God sent us down with all his love.
There comes a time that he will say,
I need you home with me today.
All the memories of the past,
Forever in my heart will last.
I wrote this poem when mom passed away 22 years ago today. I have shared it with many who have lost loved ones and hope it has helped them as much as it has me. Sending the biggest hug to my mom in heaven.
Martha, I love your garden. As you know it inspired me to make a garden for my grandfather. I believe flowers are a way for those who we have lost to still spread their love.
I’m so happy when I hear that Brenda. When I go to mom’s garden, I can feel her with me. I think part of the reason we have flowers for so long in the year is because of mom.
Oh Martha, I’m old enough to know that 22 years is a long time on one hand and can feel “just like yesterday” on the other hand. Your Mom sounds truly lovely, and she is definitely watching over you and your (great / grand) kids. The Penny Plaque is such a wonderful project, and look at that garden! Hugs to you 💖
I enjoyed making the penny plaque Tamara, it felt like mom was with me! Thanks for visiting and have a wonderful day.
What beautiful memories! It reminds me of the Eskimo proverb:
“Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.”
Your Mom is with you today.
Oh Paul, that is so beautiful! I’ll have to remember that, mom is shining down for sure!
This was very emotional…these kind of posts and articles always makes me sad and cry…I remember my grandparents that are not with us anymore and it hurts….
I’m sorry it made you cry Sinziana. I’m sad that both my mom and dad are no longer with me but I’m happy they are no longer suffering. I keep all their memories in my heart so I feel Mom’s still with me. Hugs to you, grandparents are so special.
Beautiful post. It’s so nice that you experience signs from her and talk to her every day. My mother died shortly after. I had a stroke. The hardest thing was not being able to say I love you to her, but I know she knew anyway.
I’m so sorry to hear about your stroke Cheryl. But I’m sure your mom knew you loved her, moms can tell and she’s watching over you still.
That’s such a beautiful way to remember your mum, who was evidently loved by many.
Thank you Cherry-Ann, mom was such a sweet person and loves by so many. I know she is watching over her family.
I love your story. The poem is beautiful and I will remember it as I remember my mom and dad.
I hope my poem gives you comfort knowing that your mom and dad are still alive in your heart Thelma.
Love this review. The wall art you made and the 🌹 are beautiful.
Thanks Thelma! I felt like mom was with me when I was making the heart!
What a beautiful review
My mom was so special and loved everyone. How I wish she was here to meet Lia, she would love her for sure Thelma!
Your garden is lovely — I can see the love you put in it. I hope you have a peaceful and blessed day!
Thank you Dominique! Rich and I along with Lia now enjoy keeping moms garden beautiful. I know mom is watching down smiling.
Martha, what a great lady and a great mom she was! Your garden is beautiful, as is your heart. I’m sure you think often of everything you learned from your mom. And your poem is beautiful. May I have permission to use it occasionally, with credit to you? Thanks for a beautiful post.
Oh yes, my mom was as they say one of a kind Kebba. The kindest heart and soul. I’d be honored to have you use my poem where you feel it would work for you! I enjoy sharing when when people need a lift. Thank you for visiting.
I love reading your posts about your mom and those pennies she sends you everywhere.. It is so wonderful to see signs around us of our loved ones who are no longer with us.. like a warm hug out of nowhere!
I love seeing signs of mom and sometimes they come when I need them the most Vidya. I like that, a warm hug out of nowhere!
I’m sorry you miss your mother. I miss mine too. It will be 17 years this next Friday for my lost. I’m here if you want to chat.
Thank you so much Amanda and I know we will miss them until we meet them again. Until then hold on to all the memories in your heart.