Sometimes there just are no more tomorrows. I was sadly reminded of this this morning when I opened an e-mail from my best friend from grade school. Her mother had passed away over the weekend. While not an unexpected occurance, it still came as a bit of a shock.
I feel fortunate that I had the chance to see Betsy’s mom at my parent’s 50th anniversary celebration in July. She arrived on the arm of my friend, dressed in her Sunday best, her eyes bright with curiosity and expectation and a pert little hat perched on her head. We settled her down with a plate of food, which she picked at a bit before tackling the main objective of cake.
Time changes things. It softens some memories while sharpening others. In her elder years, the woman who had incorporated me into the rest of her brood had faded from the strong vitality of my childhood . There was a moment where I stood looking at the mirror of time; the sweet smiling eyes were the same, superimposed upon the memory of a much younger woman whose stength was drawn from her family and her faith.
We grow to expect that the people in our lives will still be here tomorrow. There are plans that are made and never come to fruition. With each passing moment there are choices to be made that can never be retracted, and if we are really fortunate, there will be an opportunity for action at a later date.
With death comes finality and the thoughts of what might have been swirl to the surface and all that remains are the thoughts and memories to be shared and treasured, strengthening the bond between those who remain.
Rest in peace Mrs. Guard.
She sounds like a beautiful soul I would have loved to have met. I’m glad she was part of your life.
I just read your monday meanderings. Would you mind if I shared it with Betsy?
You really have a gift for writing and describing thought. Keep it up my dear. That was sweet about Lois Guard. I love to read your writings.
Beautiful.
Lovely sentiments and well put!