Tuesday, March 15, 2011

One Shot - In Memorium - Parade of Love

One year ago today, my Mother passed away after a lingering battle with congenital heart disease. As a tribute to her in the days leading up to her last breath, I wrote the following and posted it the day of her death.

In memory of her, I am re-posting today and sharing with the followers of One Shot Wednesday who have been supportive of my writing. Many thanks to you all.

Parade of Love

A parade of love marched by the sole reclining spectator,
stopping to play music of love and memories.
Only soft groans allowed the parade to know
how appreciated was each and every member
of the march of adoration.
All wanted her breathing in the life they had to give.
All wanted her to rise up and march in the parade
To lead them as she had done for her entire life.
To play with them.
To laugh at their occasional off key performances.
To make palpable the love always given so freely.
To smile and cry with them.
To make each and every one of them feel special and unique.
This was her talent.
This was the ingredient the parade sought
to find to fill the void left by its leader of levity and mirth and love.
The parade wanted what it could no longer have.
Knowing it needed to move on.
Knowing it needed to allow the reclining figure peace.
Knowing it needed to let go.
As the last marcher passed to touch,
to talk,
to say good bye,
the last note was played.

Peggy Lou Fix
August 10, 1930 - March 15, 2010

We love you, Mom.

30 comments:

Helen said...

This is incredibly lovely ... I'm thinking of you today.

Julie Ferguson said...

That was simply beautiful and tugged hard on my heartstrings. Wonderful tribute to your Mother.

Brian Miller said...

man hugs monkey...a beautiful tribute....glad you reposted it...and thoughts for you today...

Bubba said...

It seems to me I've read this wonderful tribute to your mom before, MM.

But, since this was a year ago, and I don't think I was on Blogger back then, perhaps that's just me wishing that I had.

Very nice, either way.

Rosaria Williams said...

A touching tribute to a loved one. Lovely.

Evelyn said...

Peggy Lou is a lovely name.
Lovely poem for a lovely woman, I am sure.

Sharon Day said...

I have a lump in my throat and my eyes filled with tears. I wish I had known her. She inspired much in those around her which is apparent in that tribute. None of you are ever the same for having her in your lives. I hate that we only get to borrow people, but people with a life well lived like your mother, they make it count.

Nessa said...

As beautiful a tribute today as it was a year ago.

Claudia said...

what a beautiful tribute to your mother monkey man

Chris said...

This gave me chills. Your mother must be smiling down on you. :)

Anonymous said...

Cries ;'( amazing tribute to your mum. The bravery in your writing is awesome

knot eye said...

I won't reach for cliches....I won't

bless you man

Peace, hp

Unknown said...

such a beautiful, heartfelt tribute
God bless you

Anita Magdalena said...

Poignant words beautifully expressed.

Anita.

hedgewitch said...

A fine tribute, full of love.

dustus said...

A beautiful poem. A very touching tribute.

Maude Lynn said...

This is a really lovely tribute, Monkey Man!

Cloudia said...

Bless you and your mom!



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Matty said...

I remember this quite well, and it is still as heartwarming as the day you posted it.

Jenna said...

what a beautiful tribute. i never though about it like a parade, thank you for the imagery there. my first linkup with one shot wednesday and my first visit to your blog.

steveroni said...

That last note which was played a year ago--was played again today. Thank You MM!

PEACE!

Deborah said...

Heartfelt and so beautiful ... I felt every word x

Shashidhar Sharma said...

Its a lovely and emotional tribute.. I could relate to this so much as it reminds me of the loss of my father 6 years ago... so deeply touched.



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gautami tripathy said...

I am very much touched by it. I lost my dad in May 2002, and can still his feel surrounding me..

Thank you for re-posting this, as I got to read it now...

Anonymous said...

My dear MM, you and your family will be in my prayers..
I am certain that your mom's very happy wherever she is now, and is smiling at this lovely poem you have dedicated to her...

Love and hugs..

PattiKen said...

I loved it last year and I still love it. You are a good son. I hope my sons remember me with as much love and honor after I shuffle off this mortal coil.

Katherine Krige said...

Be well in your grief MM. Anniversaries are especially hard, so be kind to yourself and those around you. You have made a lovely tribute to a woman that sounds like she meant the earth to you and so many more. I wish you peace my friend.

Olivia said...

Incredibly beautiful tribute!

Hugs xoxox

Anonymous said...

a breathtaking tribute to a woman who spent her life giving love... it's there in your words.

Marla said...

I remember the day well last year. Yesterday would have been my mom's 90th birthday. I am still sad 9 years later thinking she is gone.

It just hurts when they go.

Hang in there, Monkey. Sending hugs your way, my friend.