"We become what we think about." ~ Earl Nightingale

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Hugs and blessings,


Friday, February 12, 2010

Remembering my mom


Scroll down for Photo Hunt: Broken
this white azalea
given to me by a friend
when my mother died


it reminds me of
'mom' whenever I see it
and I am grateful




one time long ago
when the plant was in full bloom
some one snapped it off


for a while I
felt the loss deeply and shed
many tears until ...


one day it sprouted
and eventually came back
... amazing but true



never quite the same
but it still reminds me of
mom and makes me smile

Click for others participating in Photo Hunters
and Haiku Friday this week


February 11th was my mom's birthday ... she would have been 97. She died in 1989 of an aneurysm ... 21 years ago. I'd planned to publish this post yesterday, but when I went outside in the morning I discovered the azalea broken again ... and sharing seemed too difficult. My relationship with and memories of my mother are complicated. I've written about her a couple of times before ... and if you're interested you can click to read Memories of Mom.

This morning when I realized that Photo Hunt's theme this week is BROKEN I decided to amend the post and publish belatedly ... just because.



Click to embiggen
and you'll see some tiny sprouts
even though the bulk

of the azalea
looks quite 'sad' and broken ... I
tried to toss it but

decided instead
to plant it on my parkway
hoping for the best






I suspect it won't
survive but there's nothing lost
and perhaps it will?

So ... this morning on the day after my mom's birthday, I've decided to share after all ... just because.

Thought for Today
"Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose.
From the television show The Wonder Years

21 comments:

Karen said...

Oh I have such mixed emotions--glad that you're opening up to us, sad because it's the anniversary of your mom's passing. And that poor azalea.

I haven't yet experienced this particular loss, but I've observed that those who have never quite get over it. My own mother always calls, and reminisces, and cries with me on the anniversary of her mother's death (about 27 years ago).

So I don't have much to say--just, I'm thinking of you and I'm sorry...

Ginny Hartzler said...

I am so glad you shared with us, that sometimes has a way of helping. And I am so very sorry about the azelea. I can in fact empathize with you, because my case is the same, only fresher. You and I have a bond in common here. My mon died about two years ago, and we have the hydrangea planted out front that a good friend gave her in the hospital. It's still tiny. It still hurts to look at it. I will do a post on mine when I'm up to it. You have many friends here in Blog World. I appreciate you, your posts, and your courage in sharing, and continue to look forward to communicating with you. Please E-mail me if you would like.

Carver said...

Heartfelt and thoughtful post. I hope the azalea makes it. Sometimes all it takes is a piece of a plant to make it. Relationships can be difficult and even long after a parent is gone, these anniversaries can be hard. My mother died in 1990 at age 65. Hard to believe it will be 20 years in April. Take good care of yourself.

Barb said...

I think that bush is like your Mother - if it revives on its own - great - otherwise DNR! I see that your memories are still intact, with or without the beautiful azalea. Glad, too, that you and your sister have kept the pact to spend time together.

George said...

Azaleas are surprisingly tough bushes -- I hope it survives. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us today.

Momisodes said...

Thank you so much for sharing this with us. The azaleas are beautiful. I am so sorry to hear that it was broken. I hope that it will come back as it did before.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Thank you for sharing this; I think there is an amazing parable in the broken bush that regenerates itself. The mother-daughter relationship is such a complicated one and no matter how old we get it still affects us.

Unknown said...

i think daughters usually have a complicated relationship with their mothers. it's sweet that this flower reminds you of your mom.

Scott Law said...

Very sweet remembrance and what a great take on the theme this week.

Scott at World’s Best Photography Blog ;^)

Alice Audrey said...

It proved amazingly resilient once before. Hopefully it will again.

magiceye said...

great take on the theme and so touching too..

Mrs. Mecomber said...

What a touching post. Azaleas are so lovely, and so are your memories of your mom.

P.S. Did you know that azaleas love acidy soil? Maybe a little drink of leftover coffee might help them?

I'm late in visiting everyone for Photo Hunters, but better late than never! Have a wonderful week.

Willa said...

Nice entry. My mom passed away just a month ago.

RA said...

Beautiful Azalea! I'm happy for you that they bloomed again. This is also a wonderful tribute to your Mom. Have a great week.

Lew said...

Touching post for the theme! It is always sad when something we have nourished is damaged, especially when the memories it holds are so dear. I have iris from Mom's garden that always bring back fond memories when they begin to bloom.

EG CameraGirl said...

I'm sorry your azalea is broken but it sounds like your memories are still all there. I bet the azalea will make it and will bloom again.

The Quintessential Magpie said...

I just read your very touching post about your mother passing, and I came back here to comment. That was a lovely tribute to her. I lost my mother when I was 35, and it was so hard. It would have been easier had my sisters and I lived near one another, but we didn't. While I am so sorry about your brother, I'm happy that you and your sister have continued to have sister night as there is nothing like having family support, particularly when you have lost the anchor that a mother is.

And I'm so sorry that your azaelea got broken. I hope and pray that it will grow and prosper.

Sending your warm hugs today and always...

XO,

Sheila :-)

Martha said...

I hope it makes it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts today *hugs*

Pam said...

That was such a touching tribute to your mom. I hope your azalea makes it. It did before, so it seems like a tough plant. **hugs**

Rambling Woods said...

I am sorry for your loss, but that you have memories of a loving Mother is so precious. I don't have that now or ever really..I love her, I just don't find her to be a very nice person...take care.. Michelle

jabblog said...

It is a beautiful azalea - I hope the broken part 'takes' - it seems as if it might.