A Short Life, Long Remembered

Last night I dreamed about Mom.  She's been gone for twenty-five years and it was bittersweet to see her face again like it was just yesterday when I saw her last.  We never lose that place in our hearts that our mom occupies. 

In the dream it was her birthday and we were getting ready for a big birthday celebration. In reality, I'm not aware of her ever having a big celebration in her honor.  She was a private woman, fun-loving in her own way.  She didn't share her thoughts and feelings openly; those few times I can remember doing so are like nuggets of gold in my memories.

She had simple dreams, never travelled far from home, and went without so her children could go with.  She wasn't a powerful career-woman and wasn't wealthy.  She married at eighteen, was widowed at fifty-three, and died at fifty-five.

Her life was all too short but the impression she left remains. I speak of her to my children often, though as time goes by their memory of her is fading.  I like to think that I am keeping her alive in their hearts by sharing stories and memories that will become a part of them as well.

One day, Lord willing, I will tell Makiya about the simple, loving woman who was her great-grandmother.

6 comments:

Terri Tiffany said...

Your mother died so young. I can't imagine losing mine at that age. What a gift to still dream of her:)

Terri Tiffany said...

Your mother died so young. I can't imagine losing mine at that age. What a gift to still dream of her:)

Joanne said...

How poignant to see her, to be with her again, in a dream. Love has that special power, doesn't it?

Janna Leadbetter said...

Dreams can be such a gift.

Susan said...

My mother's birthday is December 4, and I wrote a piece for her on my blog that day. Interesting that we both were thinking of our moms around the same time. I love the love that comes through in your dream.

Robin Lynn said...

Loved this post. My Mom died June 2007 and I still miss her every single day. We actually didn't ever live close by to her and Daddy but the last years of her life I lived an hour and 1/2 away and came every week for 3 - 4 days to help my sister in her hopsice care. That time period was one of the most amazing of my life. My Mom was my hero, and my mentor.