Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Kissing Joy

He who binds to himself a joy doth the winged life destroy. 
But he who kisses the joy as it flies
lives in Eternity's sunrise.
William Blake 
In the time since I last posted, a lot has happened. 
There have been difficult times, hard work, 
and sadness mixed with joy. 
I attended the funeral of a wonderful cousin-in-law 
in a beautiful country setting -
                                      gathered with family on Memorial Day


in remembrance of a loving, 
yet complex father/grandfather - 

- moved my mother in with me
and fussed over all the preparations and adjustments,
including the replacement of my clawfoot tub
with a walk-in shower - 
- watched with amazement at how much my daughter
threw herself into helping me - 
She cooked up a weeks-worth of meals for me to serve 
and painted the bathroom yellow.
My sister came from out of town to help with the move. This is the ultimate older sister, who was a second mother to me growing up. I remember when she sat me in front of my mother's dressing table, fussed with my hair and as we both looked at our reflections in the mirror said, "You are really going to be something special when you grow up. I can just tell."
I've watched my daughter's dog 
tenderly cuddle with Mother. 
For some reason, Lola lies on top of Mom's feet 
when she is at the table. 
I think animals have a special ability 
to sense when someone needs comforting.
My life has changed, but I am at peace.
(the sky last night)

26 comments:

  1. A very touching post dear Kass.
    I loved reading how you and your family have come together to support and show love to your mom.

    "Family means putting your arms around each other and being there." You and your family are a perfect sample that the above quote is so true!!!

    loads of loveNlight from here to all of you.

    loveNlight
    Gabi

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  2. You are a very brave and lovely person.

    There's a saying that a change is as good as a rest - I hope that's true for you and yours.

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  3. I'm so glad you are able to have your mom move in with you. The transition can be difficult for everyone, but the rewards are endless.

    Her dog is precious!

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  4. It's good to hear things are peaceful for you Kass, after what sounds like a fair degree of upheaval.

    I had been wondering how you were getting on.

    At times of difficulty family can be the best of our emotional, physical and psychological support any day. It's also good when different generations come together to share the load.

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  5. A very moving post. Beautiful expression of a significant time for you. I felt privileged to read it.

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  6. Yes, a very touching post. Lots of love (in its many manifestations) expressed. May countless blessings befall you.

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  7. ah, kass, i was wondering. so many changes in so short a time, none of them minor.
    your sister's prophetic comment has most certainly come true. i would add, graceful under pressure as well.

    thank you for sharing this time with us. we're with you.

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  8. I honor what you are doing ...

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  9. I hope Mom is doing well in her new surroundings. I know she will be at ease in the company of loving family. What a lot of changes you have been through in these past few months.

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  10. Such a blessing to be able to bring your mother into your home and care for her. Caretaking is hugely exhausting, but also incredibly rewarding. To see how all of your family has come together to care for your mother is very moving. Thinking of you as you move forward in your transitions!

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  11. Oh, Kass, it pleases me to see you back here and that at least the earliest reports are happy ones. I knew what you were planning, but I'm a little hinky about that "life is what happens when you're busy making plans" thing. Given Mom's age and health, I just hoped everything was going according to plan. You get the highest marks from me for taking on something that promises to present you with much joy and many tears. And, yes. Animals know. Good for Lola!

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  12. Change can be difficult however I have found that change is necessary to grow. Very heartwarming that your family has gathered around you to help and as you have said "You are at peace" and this is what's most important.

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  13. Your family sounds as wonderful as you are, even the dog! Your older sister's comment to you at the mirror actually brought a tear to my eye; what an amazing thing for a child to say to another.

    I hope everything goes well for you in this new stage of life.

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  14. Great photos and marvellous quote from Blake. It reminded me of his Auguries Of Innocence. Have you read it? The first four lines in particular are a jewel.

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  15. I'm cheering for you, your family, and your granddog.

    I wasn't quite sure how to respond to this post, so I'm settling on voicing support and blog love.

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  16. Great post. Taking care of an aging parent isn't easy. I have an inkling of what that's like, and wish I had done more for my mother.

    I want to take that dog home with me.

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  17. *hugs*

    My heart goes out to you and I am very happy to read that you are at peace. I wish the best for you and all of your loved ones!

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  18. You've grown deeper and truer, my friend. Lovely words, honest expression, and sweet surrender. I'm sending my love and thoughts.

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  19. i wondered (worried) about you and now i know. it takes a lot of courage and grace to see the world the way you do. it is a blessing that you share your view here. your sister at the mirror with you, your daughter painting the bathroom yellow, the pup on top of mom's feet. the stop sign photo is brilliant. you give and i receive. thank you.

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  20. Sad to read about your journey with illness in the family but happy there is a closeness there.

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  21. Thanks for dropping by ... I've been thinking of you and your new schedule.

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  22. Much happening, indeed, Kass. But you're at peace and there's nothing of greater value than that.

    Beautiful pictures, both.

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  23. Beautiful pictures!
    I am so sorry for your losses, but I am glad you are at peace. It sounds like you have a wonderful family!

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  24. GABI, RACHEL, PJ, LIS, DAVE, JONAS, STANDING, SUSAN, TAG, VICKY, LES, JOANNE, ERYL, DAVIDE,
    SARAHJANE. ALESA, KIRK, KRISTA, MARIE, SHERRY, PAUL, DICK, SUZIEQ -

    Thank you all for your encouraging and kind words. Things are going well. I feel privileged to have you as friends.

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  25. quite moving...and the generational love just melts my heart.

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It's nice to know you've stopped by. Thanks.