Saturday, October 27, 2012

The Art of Remembering: My Parents

The Recuerda Mi Corazon blog is hosting an October meme called The Art of Remembering.  You can read more about it here.  In Rebecca's words, the purpose of this Sunday exercise is to "share our most personal memories of loved ones and their forever places in our hearts.  As we take time to do the sacred work of remembering we are filled with the presence of all those now gone that once filled our days with love and comfort."  Previously I posted a memory about my father ( here) and my mother (here). Today, I want to share a personal memory about the two of them together and their eternal love.
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                                                                                                                      A Love for All Eternity
Several weeks before my mother passed away, I spent about a week at her hospital bedside. I remember when her demeanor shifted from talking about seeing her grandchildren graduate from college and instead asking if we would be okay once she was gone.  One morning, she said she had been talking to my father, who had passed away the previous year.  She said that he was doing well but he said he missed her "because no one can take care of me the way you do."  And I knew it was true. My mother took great care of my father all through his life.  And he took care of her.  During the last years of my father's life, as he battled the cancer that he knew would kill him, he made a plan.  He created a little red book in which he noted all the monthly household expenses which my mother would face, and he patiently explained to his children where the money was to take care of his wife after he was gone. My mother and father took care of each other in life and expressed their love in the face of death.  I am certain they are caring for each other still. And I pledge to remember that love.

29 comments:

Mary B said...

Oh Rinda that is so very beautiful and you are so like you mother to look at there is no mistaking the family resemblance, it is exactly how you will look when you are that age. And I would hazard a guess that you have the same caring nature.

Anonymous said...

What a beautifully written piece. The love for your parents shines though as does their love for each other. Thank you for sharing.

humel said...

Oh my, Rinda - how beautiful! It made me cry! Thank you for sharing this with us xx

sky-blu-pink said...

Wonderful post! Yes, it s us who remain that have the hard job of carrying on, how amazing your father was able to make that hard task easier.

Sian said...

I thought the photograph shone - and then I read the words!

Do you get told that you look like your Mum? I can see the same beautiful smile

Ladkyis said...

Breath-taking because my Dad was exactly that way - even to the extent of writing his own obituary and making sure their funerals were totally arranged and paid for three years before he died!
Gosh that brought a lump to my throat

Anne said...

I couldn't help a couple of tears. What a beautiful story ! Both my parents are still alive, but I recognize so much in them of the love you describe between your parents.xx

Cheri said...

What a beautiful tribute Rinda. And my gosh - you look so much like your Mom!

Susanne said...

Lovely post - I need a tissue.

scrappyjacky said...

What a beautiful piece,Rinda....they were so lucky to have each other....and you to have them....and the other commentators are right...you look so like your mum.

laurie said...

it sounds like your parents have left you with so many gifts. they demonstrated what true love is all about (caring for each other) and they made sure to let you know all is well with them now so you needn't worry or be sad.

Alison said...

Beautifully written Rinda...you DO have your mom's smile...and you HAVE made me smile and made me cry all at the one time...TFS!
Alison xx

Melissa said...

What a beautiful memory of your parents! Thanks for sharing. I can definitely see from that photo where you get your good looks - your mother has the same beauiful smile!

ComfyMom~Stacey said...

That is so lovely!

alexa said...

How lovely to see them together - and together they clearly were. I think you have inherited more than your Mum's looks :).

Jo Murray said...

It's wonderful to see their enduring love. You must miss them both Rinda.

Jane said...

true love!

Elizabeth said...

What a lovely portrait, and you really do resemble your mother!

Karen said...

What a beautiful tribute, and a lovely portrait! I, too, see a strong resemblance between you and your mother.

Irene said...

Such a beautifully crafted portrait of family love. How wonderful to remember them in this way.
Thank you for all your recent comments on our baby. Really appreciated.

Irene said...

I remember how lovingly they would look at each other and how sweet they would talk to each other. Everyone in the room could feel the admiration they had for each other. It is a love that every couple should have and not be afraid to show it.

Missus Wookie said...

I'm not the only one moved to tears - love to hear of such dedication and love. Remembering always that love is a verb. Such a lovely meme I'm glad you are sharing.

Fiona@staring at the sea said...

How beautiful Rinda. I am smiling with tears in my eyes x

Jimjams said...

Sobbing here! A very beautiful photo of a loving couple and such a moving post. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

Very moving tribute to your mom and dad, Maria. You really resemble your mom. I still can recall your mom's sweet patient voice and your dad saying "Mame". (wasn't that a nickname). Rest assured they are together now.
Cousin Rose

Ginger said...

A beautifully told memory :)

~*~Patty S said...

thank you for sharing your beautiful parents with us Rinda ... very inspiring and uplifting

Happy November to you and yours (already!)

oxo

Deb @ PaperTurtle said...

Oh, Rinda, this is such a beautiful tribute to both of your parents! xo

The Mann Fam said...

What a beautiful legacy of love they have left for you.