Wednesday 9 March 2011

A Loving Tribute

I don't usually use this blog for my innermost private thoughts and feelings, but I feel that it is right for me to make this exception.I would like to record my loving tribute to my Mother here in these "pages"; as a testament to her, and all that she meant to me.Yesterday was her funeral, and despite the pain, I feel we managed to celebrate her life, and find a way to take all those good thoughts and memories forward in to the rest of our lives.
I am grateful to the minister for reading what I had written just as it appeared on the page; it was so very important to me.


"Our Mother assumed many family roles throughout the 75 years of her life.In order they would be: Daughter, Sister, Wife, Aunty, Mother, Grandmother.But a title can't fully describe who a person is.
She was the 3 year old war time evacuee who found herself sat up on a high shelf, in the pub-home of strangers, for some imagined misdemeanour.She was the young woman taught to speedily tot up long columns of figures by an Uncle.She was the mother who, without fail, reserved the tenderest morsels on the plate for her two young daughters, or encouraged us to eat the last chocolates in her box.
A constant presence in our lives giving comfort and reassurance.She was the perfect, adoring Grandmother who was herself adored in return.
She had a warm and pretty smile,and we loved to hear her giggle and laugh.She was also immensely capable, efficient and unflappable - and a confirmed stoic.She would never have asked," Why me?" but rather, calmly stated "Why not me."
Gail and I used to joke that Mummy squeezed way more than 60 minutes out of every hour.You can bet that within 59 minutes of arriving where she is now she had taken down the curtains and washed them, cleaned out the cupboards, run up some cushions, and put an excellent home-cooked meal in the oven.
She wouldn't mind me concluding this summary of her character whimsically, by saying she was:
more casserole than steamer,
more chocolate than crispbread
more Rolling Stones than the Beatles
more Blue Skies than clouds.

To our Mother, and our Best Friend, in the words of Simon and Garfunkel; "Sail on Silver Girl.""




As a family we used to love listening to Simon and Garfunkel's greatest hits album.It would often be playing on a Sunday through the '70s, when I would come home from riding, and she would be in the kitchen making the dinner. "Bridge Over Troubled Water" was a favourite track with its beautiful lyrics.I was honoured to hear the song I specially requested played yesterday.

extract from "Bridge Over Troubled Water"

Sail on Silver Girl,
Sail on by.
Your time has come to shine
All your dreams are on their way.

See how they shine,
If you need a friend
I'm sailing right behind,
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind.
Like a bridge over troubled water,
I will ease your mind.


Thank you to everyone for all your kind and tender thoughts.It has given much comfort.

Ruth x

16 comments:

ginger@bearbits said...

Hi Ruth,

What a lovely tribute. I am sorry to hear of your loss. Those of us who had lovely mothers like yours are indeed fortunate. These kinds of memories give us much comfort in their absence. I do see some family resemblance in the photo of your mother. How nice. I wish you peace and comfort.

~ginger

Bearly Sane said...

Your tribute was beautiful Ruth. You were so lucky to have a mummy who cared for you so dearly...and you have cherished memories to last a lifetime.
You know you are always in my thoughts.
Love and hugs,
Sandi xxx

susana said...

hi Ruth,
sorry for your loss. we are lucky to have a caring mom, wish her love past from one generation to another.
hugs, susana

Tina said...

A beautiful tribute Ruth.
I´m so sorry for your loss and sending lots of thoughts and hugs your way.

Tina

Ruth said...

To Ginger,Sandi,Susana and Tina -
your comments mean so much to me.
Thank you dear friends,

Hugs,
Ruth xxxx

Donna Griffin said...

Dear Ruth,
I'm so very sorry.
Much love,
Donna

Amanda said...

How moving, your mum would have been proud of you both. Take care.

bensonbear said...

A lovely tribute to a special mum, she will always be there for you. Thinking of you (((((HUGS)))))

Lyn Parker said...

Hey Ruth
What a lovely tribute to your very special Mum.It bought tears to my eyes, it was almost as if I was reading about my beautiful Mum. How truly special those memories are.

Sending you lots of Hugs
Lyn

Chantal said...

Hi Ruth, I think you needed to do it, a lovely tribute for a special person, a mummy who was always there when you needed.
Sending you a lot, a lot and a lot of hugs.
Chantal

Ruth said...

Yes, special memories - as fresh in my mind as if it were yesterday.I know she'll truly always be with me.I am so lucky.

With love to you all,
xxxx

Robyn@Mimas Bear said...

This is a beautiful tribute to your Mum Ruth, thinking of you with love and hugs,
Robyn.

BumbleVee said...

Hi Ruth.....read your tribute through tears.... my Mom, too..is gone.... and somehow it seems yesterday..other days...it is far too long...

just sending you hugs.....

Veronica

xx

Debora Hoffmann said...

Ruth, big hugs to you! Thank you for sharing this tribute to your dear mother. I know you will always cherish her. She sounds like she was a true gem. How blessed you all were by her.

All Bear by Paula said...

A beautiful tribute for a such a beautiful lady ... your Mum.

Warmest hugs to you and Gail during this sad, uplifting, confusing, intense time of heartache and sweet memories. Take good care of you both xxx

Ruth said...

I so appreciate all your kind thoughts and words... I will pass them on too, to all my family.

Hugs to All,
Ruth xx