Treasure Chest Thursday ~ Full of Memories

On this date nine years ago my mother passed away. Today I am filled with memories of her and her life. Although we didn't always see eye to eye, we were pretty close. I am the eldest of the children and she was always the toughest on me. Isn't that the way? As an adult I have grown to understand many situations I couldn't understand as a child. Mom always did the best she knew how, just as most mother's do, especially since none of us are given "classes" on how to be perfect parents.

My mother didn't want us to follow in some of the same footsteps she had taken as a teenager. None of us did, so she must have done something right. She never explained her feelings to us so understanding her rhymes and reasons for what she would implement was near impossible.

It was important to my mother to make sure the family gathered together for all birthdays Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. She had a fear that as we became adults we wouldn't spend time together and be a family. When everyone is in town and around we do spend time together on these most important dates, you can relax mom.

I have had a couple of serious surgeries in my life and my mother was right there taking care of me. One of these surgeries I was young and living at home, but the other I was married and had two children. She came to my home and cooked and cleaned and helped me so much. What made this most special was that she had her own health issues (she had Fibromyalgia) but drove to my home, tackled stairs, and did my hard work for me. I know she went home in pain and thoroughly exhausted.

I picked up my nephew from school this afternoon and as we were driving home he saw a weeping willow tree and stated he loved those trees. I asked him if he knew it was grandmas favorite tree. He said yes, his mother tells him that every time they pass one. So sad, he never knew his grandmother. It is interesting that we pass this tree every day and this is the first time the subject has come up. I feel mom has heard my mind reminiscing about her today and wanted me to know she was aware. This tree became most prominent in our conversation. Miss you mom...

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!


Comments

  1. Linda Hughes HiserJanuary 8, 2010 at 6:05 AM

    Thank you for your post Cheryl. Your memories resonated for me as I lost my Mom on Christmas Eve 1999. We celebrated her life this Christmas Eve...marking a decade since she left us. I know she was with us in spirit.

    ReplyDelete
  2. GiniJanuary 8, 2010 at 9:57 AM

    What a beautiful tribute to your mom Cheryl. Even though today is the anniversary, you honor her memories each and every day of your life just by being you and sharing moments like you had passing the willow tree. Thank you for sharing her memory and yours.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Lori HJanuary 8, 2010 at 2:09 PM

    Isn't it funny how much more we understand our parents after we become parents ourselves? It's wonderful that that weeping willow tree gave you the opportunity to share that memory with your nephew. I don't believe it was just a coincindence! :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. my Heritage HappensJanuary 8, 2010 at 8:44 PM

    Hi Lindalee, how unfortunate to have lost your mom... Hi Lindalee, how unfortunate to have lost your mom on Christmas eve. We were able to at least enjoy the holidays and a bit more time before my mom passed.

    Hi Gini, thank you for appreciating my post involving a memory or two about my mother.

    Hi Lori, yes, as we mature and become parents ourselves, we understand so much more! Thank you for sharing that you don't believe it was a coincindence!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Becky ThompsonJanuary 9, 2010 at 10:08 AM

    I love your blog! I've awarded you the "Happy 101" award. You can read about it and pick up your award here, Kathryn:
    http://beckysgraceandglory.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  6. Becky ThompsonJanuary 9, 2010 at 10:10 AM

    I'm sorry, I wrote "Kathryn" instead of Cheryl! I lost track of where I was. Bet you can relate.

    ReplyDelete
  7. my Heritage HappensJanuary 9, 2010 at 12:56 PM

    Thank you Becky! What a nice surprise!

    ReplyDelete

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