Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Our octogenarian - One Shot Wednesday


Shuffling forward,
hands firmly grasping her walker,
she turned
with that mischievous twinkle
in her eye and said
“I wish I could live to see my 80th birthday.”
She didn’t have the heart.
It stopped beating two days later.
Five months hence we celebrate
with our hearts
knowing she is free.
A soul alive.
Teasing.
Laughing.
Dancing.
Floating.
Dreaming with us as we say
Happy birthday, Mom


My Mother passed away March 15, 2010.

Today I pay tribute on her 80th birthday - August 10, 2010.

40 comments:

signed...bkm said...

What a blessed tribute...you are a wonderful son....I am sure she is looking down and smiling on you....bkm

The Bipolar Diva said...

K, I'm so sorry. My mom was killed 4 years ago. For me, it's as it was the day I heard.

My thoughts are with you.

Brian Miller said...

a beautiful tribute monkey..she is dancing...and probably smiling as you remember her...thoughts for you on this special day...

thanks for linking up to one shot!

Me said...

I am so sorry for your loss, my friend. A beautiful memorial in her honor today...

Wishing you peace, MM.
-C

Desert Rose said...

sorry for you loss,but hey,,she must be so happy and looking to you smiling and feeling all your love to her..souls reach and they feel us..may her soul always rest in peace.

dustus said...

So sorry for your loss. You wrote a beautiful poem that honors her and shared it with us. Thank you

Helen said...

One glance at her lovely face says it all ~ she was an amazing mother and a good person! Your memorial is touching and emotional ... thank you for sharing her with all of us today.

Mommy Emily said...

oh friend, this makes me sad. it's so beautiful. your mom would be so proud.

Glynn said...

What better way to remember and honor her than a poem? Nice.

Anonymous said...

Toes up time
and rachie
seanieisms
grandma pinky days
bullshit (the game - and some other stuff)
rummicube
sunriver eggs
hostess gifts
Yeah, she's not going to be forgotten soon.

PattiKen said...

This is a wonderful tribute and birthday wish, MM. I'm so sorry you didn't get the chance to wish her a happy 80th in person, but I know she got it nonetheless.

Matty said...

Great tribute to your mother. Including the photo was a nice touch. I'm sure that she sees how you celebrated her birthday.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful tribute to your mother. She seems so alive in your description. Wonderful job.

Teresa

Su-sieee! Mac said...

Happy Birthday to you, Monkey Man's Mom!!!

Beachanny said...

Well done. You wrote your tribute right away. It's taken me years. I think you must have captured her here, alive for all of us. Her joie de vivre is palpable. Thank you for sharing.

A Daft Scots Lass said...

She'll be looking down smiling thats for sure.

Lovely!

Marshy said...

Hi monkey man...this is when i love poetry the most when we can use it to celebrate and help heal ourselves by pouring our words out!! you did a grand job and you could see how happy she was for it in her photo..a loving tribute..pete

Tabor said...

A very nice tribute. So sorry she did not get her wish, but we have only a little control over our time on this earth.

Claudia said...

what a beautiful tribute to your mom - and love the image of dancing, floating, dreaming...

The Bug said...

My one-shot is about my mom too - but she's been gone a little longer. It's tough, I know - but this was a lovely tribute to her.

Nessa said...

Your Mother is beautiful. Her beauty lives on in you and because of you.

moondustwriter said...

Awww - I see that twinkle in her beautiful eyes. Sorry for your loss my friend. My mother's B-Day is today - glad you reminded me.

Hugs from the Moon

Bubba said...

Gone but not forgotten, as your heart-felt poem resonates. What a nice tribute to your Mom, Monkey Man!

Ben Langhinrichs said...

Very sweet remembrance, and you do well at capturing her spirit in just a few words.

Anonymous said...

A beautiful tribute - Happy Birthday to your mom, happy memories to you.

joanna said...

Happy Birthday to your Mom, a beautiful tribute, -- beautiful photograph.

Joanny

http://thedowsersdaughter.blogspot.com/

TALON said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. Your Mom looked an amazing woman. A beautiful tribute to her. It makes my Mom's visit (she just turned 85 last month) even more special. I think I'll share this with her.

anthonynorth said...

A beautiful tribute. What struck me was the fondness that radiates from your words.

Anonymous said...

I had a tear reading this Monkey Man...she will be looking down and smiling...what a wonderful tribute. I am sending you love xxx

Claudya Martinez said...

Your love is so palpable. I'm sure she is immensely touched.

Jenna said...

Lovely tribute. I am so sorry for your loss. Happy Birthday to your mother. ♥

Anonymous said...

a touching tribute.

Linda said...

This is so tenderly moving. I am so sorry for your loss. We celebrate my Mom's 87th birthday this friday - knowing how very blessed we are.

Katherine Krige said...

Your Mother sounds like she has great spirit. It lives on in you. Beautiful tribute. I like the play between shuffling forward, firmly grasping and the mischievous twinkle.

Katherine said...

Monkey this was so special...such a lovely birthday wish to your beloved mother. Your heartfelt words radiate with the love that you hold in your heart & mind for your mum. Happy Birthday Monkey Man's Mum!

Anonymous said...

I am very sorry about your loss, MM... but I am very sure your mom is so pleased to see this tribute to her... and is dancing and smiling with that same twinkle in her eye...
It was such a lovely dedication... I was moved! You and your mom are so lucky to have had each other...

Enchanted Oak said...

Your mother has a wonderful face. My heart goes out to you. I picture my mom doing the same as yours...laughing, running free and whole again, hugging everyone in heaven.

Unknown said...

I am so sorry for your loss - but as your poem shows you're mother lives on with you and every thought you have, with every memory.
A touching and loving memorial thank you for haveing the courage to share this.

Chris said...

This was so beautiful. I hope someone does this for me one day.

Marla said...

You know, MM, I have watched you go through this last year with your mom's illness and death and one thing has repeatedly been in the spotlight through it all to me. You are a good son. Your kids are lucky to see how it's done.