My Mother – Helen – 1933 – 2012
Helen at 15 years
Mom, you taught me many things.
You taught me how to bake a chocolate cake. (I still can’t figure out how that box of toothpicks got inside, but at least they were evenly distributed throughout the cake)
You taught me how to iron a shirt to perfection. (starch: heavy on the collar, medium on the cuffs, and light down the placket) I find this technique holds up well on film shoots.
And oh, you taught me how I shouldn’t iron socks. (as I watched you scrape the melted mess off an iron’s hot metal face)
You taught me how to put make-up on,
How to curl my hair
How to manicure my nails
How to walk in high-heels
How to accessorize my outfits.
You taught me love, and the power it wields!
Wow, you’re Awesome!
All my Love Forever,
Resa
NOTHING BUT THE BLUES
Below is a picture taken from my mother’s hospice room.
Her view was the rear entrance to the club “Nothing But The Blues”
I looked at it for weeks then even though I’m not a poet, a poem fell out of me.
I see nothing
But the Blues.
I want to
Run away.
My pain has
Become shame
And Good girl
Is a sinner
Who sees nothing
But the Blues
From her mother’s window.
Eyes are
Windows to
And from
The soul.
She looks out,
I look in.
She does not
See me,
Know me,
Want me.
I look in
and see nothing
But The Blues
Through my
Mother’s windows.
Beautiful, thank you for posting this!
Oh Sherrie, that means so much to me. These last weeks would have been unbearable without you. You are my joy!
My dear beautiful Resa, you have been my everything through all of this. I take great comfort in knowing that she shed tears of happiness knowing how close she brought us. I love you always xoxo
I love you always, dear Sherrie … wedge three
May she rest in heaven’s perfect And blissful peace. This is a beautiful tribute Resa, I am certain your mom approves.
Hugs and love
omg… Boomie, thank you for your words. You know you have been a cornerstone of strength for me since this all began. I’ll always remember you lovingly for this.
I’m sorry for your loss Resa. Your mum was a pretty woman, and you wrote a great poem.
Thank you Alastair… she was so pretty… When I grew up I always thought she looked like Liz Taylor or Ava Gardner, the most beautiful. … (tears) glad you liked the poem.
It was great. Had she understood, she would probably have loved it. I can see why you thought she looked like Taylor and Gardner
xoxoxoxo
Such a pretty, gentle woman; such sweetness and naivety. So still too; she has a wonderful sense of calm. She and you remind me of myself and my daughter. Opposites in so many delightful ways. She quiet and subdued; you outgoing, open and creatively loud… Within you though, are her qualities too. They are not always on show; oh no; yet they are there. Known, yet not evidenced openly. That is something that cannot be removed; those parts of those we love that are integral to our being…. xoxoxo
xoxoxoxo Carolyn… I’m so glad Mom and me remind you of your daughter and you… how wonderful! Yes… I’m creatively loud and she was proud and well thank you for your knowing what a deep part of me she was. xoxoxoxoxo
If I could I would hug you and let you stay with me until your thirst was quenched. Then I would lightly release you, and you would know that you are loved… xoxoxo
Oh Carolyn… You are a soothing voice. I feel the same about you. I love knowing you. Your insights, your reflections are a wonderful thing. xoxoxo
xoxoxo
Such a lovely tribute, Resa.
Thank you, John! xoxo
I think great love brings out the poet within us. A fine poem, may she always be in your heart.
Oh Bill, she will never leave my heart!
I am sure of it, and that your heart will heal to celebrate her life.
There are not enough words to express my deepest sympathy to you Resa. You have written some beautiful words and it could not have been easy to do this. My deepest regards. Virginia
I’m in tears again, Virginia. This is the hardest moment of my life. Thank you for being here.
I left a comment and it disappeared, so I apologize if you get two. This is a beautiful tribute to your mom and I picture her smiling down on you. I love the photo – light on makeup and beautiful inside and out. (((HUGS)))
Diana, you’re so lovely to say these words! Thank you for saying she is smiling down on me…xo
Thanks Resa, what a great tribute and beautiful photo. Lots of love to you xoxoxoxo
Love to you to, Loreen. Sigh. xoxoxooxoxoxoxo
Dear Resa,
I’m so very sorry to hear about your mother. Thank you for sharing the lovely photo of her. She was beautiful.
Your tribute poem is a treasure. Marvelous.
Hugs and cozy blankets wrapped round, to you from your friend on the patio. ~Lori
Lori, I think I’ll just take that patio blanket and do what you say.. wrap it around me as I sink into a chair! Thank you so much!
Oh Resa ~ my heart just jumped out of me — and kissed your cheek. I am so sorry for this loss… I know and feel the love you feel for your beautiful mom… through your words.. and through sharing your journey as you sat by her side these last few months… She will live on ~ never die as your heart holds her memory close for the rest of your days. Your writing was obviously Divinely inspired – gorgeous poem ~ tears … and Love ~ x Robyn
Dear Robyn, thank you for being here with your kind and wise words. It really is the end of an era, and yes… tears. Love Resa xoxo
(Are you at home yet?)
yes dearest Resa ~ home now but flight out tomorrow for a medical week in Boston ~ you will be in my heart ~ xo
And you will be in mine, Robyn! – xo
Sorry for your loss, Resa – even it’s a hard time for you so you have found the strength to make such a wonderful tribute – bring you all the feelings of all the good memories you have – remember everything you’ve got during time and not focus on all that you’ve lost – memories is within you and and will be there always – best wishes…
Your kindness and advice is very welcome at this time. I will remember all of the good things and let them replace my sense of loss. I take your best wishes with my heart. Thank you xo – Resa
The poem took my breath away, Resa. You’ll carry your momma’s spark around with you wherever you go. Her Beauty. May you be comforted!
(from a friend of Lori on the patio)
Thank you Robin! How wonderful of you to drop by with your condolences. Yes, mom is passed away, but it seems like I feel her more intensely than ever. I am comforted, and any friend of Lori’s is a friend of mine. I’ll be by to say hi to you soon!
I knew this was coming Resa, but it still breaks my heart that it had to come. Your poem is beautiful, as is your Mum. I wish I could hug you, although it would be a soggy sort of hug just at the moment. But in lieu of that, I want to offer you another poem, by the wonderful Joyce Grenfell, which I’m sure is how your Mum felt.
If I should go before the rest of you
Break not a flower nor inscribe a stone
Nor when I’m gone speak in a Sunday voice
But be the usual selves that I have known
Weep if you must
Parting is hell
But life goes on
So sing as well.
Joyce Grenfell
thinking of you today and always, Imelda
Yes dear Imelda, the words of Joyce Grenfell are exactly mother’s sentiment. Thank you! You’re wonderfully insightful, and I’ll take that soggy hug now!
Thinking of you ♥
Resa – I’m out of the country and just checked in to find this post. Such a beautiful tribute, and my heart is with you.
Oh Boomer, thank you for saying your heart is with me! I’m glad you like my tribute. I had to do something. Be safe while you’re away!
This is heartbreakingly lovely, Resa. XOX
Thank you, Diana, It’s been a sad time. Thank you so much! XOX
My heart goes out to you. Hang in there. Remember this is part of life, sadly. XOX
XOX
Oh Resa! You brought tears to my eyes. What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful woman. I am so sorry for your loss.
Susan! How nice of you to drop by with your kind words. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever been through! Thank you!
So beautiful Resa. Love you.
Love you, too, Hat! xo
I know what you mean, Resa – good to share this – thanks
Thanks Dean!
and your welcome.
A poet knows what I mean. I love it!
Hi I hope you don’t mind – but I have nominated you for ‘The Blog of the Year Award 2012′. The details are on my page at http://worldlywinds.com/2012/11/22/blog-of-the-year-2012/
If you do not participate in the awards system then I apologise for inconveniencing you – and please feel free to accept or decline as you wish. I just wanted to say thank you for following my ramblings and thank you for inspiring me with your work! Alex
I feel sad for your loss. I lost my father in 2010, I know how it feels…
Thank you, and I feel for your loss as well.
Thank you!
Ma très chère Resa,
J’étais si loin … mais avec toi nuit et jour durant toutes ces semaines très difficiles que tu as vécues.
Tu sais que tu pourras toujours compter sur moi.
Avec toute mon amitié profonde,
H&K&L
Eric
Yes I do Eric,
These weeks have been difficult for me.
I also know if I sent a message that I needed help, you would be here right away.
H&K&L
Resa
I’ve missed these last few posts. I’m not good with the reader and am now also following by mail (I think).
The cyber world is a strange beast. Though I’ve never met you, I see you as a bright spark and that spark has drifted into my world. Thank you. I truly feel for your loss and wish you the best Resa. xo wendy
Oh Wendy, thank you so very much. I really miss my mom. It is a hard time, and really do appreciate your sentiment. Resa xoxo
I wish you the best, too!
Don’t you wish our parents lived forever. Truly sad for your lost, she is peace now but watching over you in spirit. Thank you so much for sharing such a personal post. All the best, Jenny
Yes, I wish my mom was still here. Thank you for taking a moment with your kind words!
Your mom was so beautiful… Your poem is very touching and deep…it reminds me of my mom too (1934-2002)
You’re so sweet! xoxo
Thank you for your kind words! It seems we both will always miss our moms! xoxo
Yes, very true!
My mom’s birthday is near on the 30th of January and I also wrote a poem for her… I’d be happy to share it with your here: http://allaboutlemon.com/2012/05/13/remembering-my-mom-on-mothers-day/
Have a great day and have fun! xoxo