Monday, March 26, 2007

Ang ~*~ Mark's lil sis


















This was a very busy weekend, a lot of reminiscing, a few shed tears and an important reason for my daughter Angela to come home. Great Grandma Nell died at 90 years old and her memorial service was on Saturday. Nell was from their dad's side of the family and both of our children felt they had been close to her. She died peacefully in her sleep and she is now in a much better place with both of her daughter's that she loved and dearly missed.

Ang and I were alone for most of the weekend. We did some catching up, which was long overdue since Mark's accident, a subject that came up during the eulogy, as a reason to celebrate life. Angela was one of the people that spoke during the memorial and her brother told her that she did the best job, remembering something quirky, something funny and closing with endearments that left everyone teary.

I have said so many wonderful things about Mark lately, that Angela's praise has been long overdue. She is a wonderful daughter/friend and her smiles and laughter filled the house. With her degree in hand, she got that job in the big city and is fully loving the experience that all metropolises provide. In 2005, she spent part of her education in London and the Europe bug bit her. She informed me that she would like to go back to live and work there for a little while, her current employment has offices there and a transfer would be easy. Easy for them, easy for her, but not so easy on me :-) I try so hard to be encouraging, but my eyes give me away, as they tear up while I'm smiling and listening to her excitement. It is never that I would want to keep her from going, but I just love her so much and would miss her terrible.

As Mother's and Father's, we have to work so hard to raise them right in this world. We are their teachers, protectors and a loving stability for such an important part of their lives, as well as our own. It is so painful to let them go, but we must and do it gracefully. Definitely one of the more difficult things all parents experience.

So we hug them, breathe in their scent and send them on their way with a prayer, hoping that we did our best to make them as whole as possible, so they can make their own contributions in this great big world. But I must say, that the feeling is indescribable when they hug me and say, "Mmmmm...you smell like my momma." ~~~~~~~pure bliss :-)

18 Comments:

Blogger Julie said...

I'm sorry for the loss your family is experiencing but, as you said, perhaps Nell is in a better place.

What a beauty your daughter is, not just a physical beauty but a beautiful spirit as well. Now is the time for her to spread her wings and experience the things that are tugging at her heart. There's nothing to say you couldn't have an adventure of your own and visit her in her new location.

You are lucky to have such a supportive, close family.

6:49 AM  
Blogger Libbys Blog said...

Hello, just popped by to say hi again. I am so sorry for your loss, but as you said, she is with her daughters now!! Like you are with yours. Aren't they wonderful, mine still surprise me. I found it so hard when K went off to Uni, cried buckets & buckets, but what an experience she is having and a better person because of it!! I will be the same when she as you when she decides to travel or work away or whatever. Sadly we only have them on loan! I keep saying over and over again that saying or quote or whatever 'if you love something set it free, if it comes back it's yours, if it doesn't it never was'!!! {{hugs}}

10:09 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm sorry for your loss. I'm sure that Nell is in a wonderful place right now :)

I'm a girl who left her parents behind by going abroad for a year. I loved the freedom they gave me, but it must have been hard on them. Letting her go will be hard, but it will be such a wonderful experience for her!

XO

10:39 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

My Mom always said that I was her "contribution to society." It seems that you feel the exact same way about your beautiful children.

I am sorry to hear about the loss of their grandmother; I am sure that she is at peace.

And I am so glad to hear that you an Angie had some quiet time to catch up this weekend; I am sure it was needed time!

xoxoxo

12:23 PM  
Blogger LEstes65 said...

What a beautiful daughter (love those eyes!). And it sounds like Grandma Nell was well honored and remembered.

I often wonder how I'll be if/when one of my boys wants to move across the country or the world. They're still young enough to insist they will live with me forever. What a lovely sentiment (for now).

Thanks for sharing the wonderful sister and daughter. You are incredibly blessed and I know you know it.

3:29 PM  
Blogger Gracey said...

You have done a great job raising your adult children! I know you are very proud of them....I remember being exactly the way she was and all excited about getting out on my own and having that independent life. My dad was the one who took it really hard and had a very hard time letting go.

4:22 PM  
Blogger gracie said...

What a beautiful photograph.. I can see that you have passed on your genes well :)

5:32 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What a beautiful, beautiful young woman! I know what you mean Darlene, about not wanting them to go, but have to. My son is 3 states away from me and he may as well be in Paris! I am glad he is growing, but I miss him terribly.

So sorry about your grandma.

Love you!! and miss your daily notes on my blog oh so bad!!!

Teresa
xxxooo

7:58 PM  
Blogger Shaz said...

You know I know how hard it is to say goodbye.
Another country, Mmmmm
Thats a lot harder, but as you say we support them, her attitude and presence will find her in amazing places and situations. How proud you must be sweetness.

9:11 PM  
Blogger Lisa Oceandreamer Swifka said...

I am not a parent but I do know that all roads lead home no matter how far they venture.
XOXO

9:57 PM  
Blogger Lisa Oceandreamer Swifka said...

p.s. man, I wish I had lips like hers. perfect lipstick lips.lol!
XOXO

9:58 PM  
Blogger Kim G. said...

Darlene - what a wonderful tribute to your daughter! You have done such a wonderful job raising two extraordinary people! Well done mom, well done!

PS - your new hairdo is awesome - it looks fresh and snappy!

11:47 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Oh Darlene, Ang is so very beautiful. How brave & strong she must be, too. Thank you for making a fuss of her - she must have been through the mill with you all over these last few months and it's so good to see her too. If she doesn't mind roughing it, she's always welcome in my little piece of England! :)
Love to you all xXx

12:08 AM  
Blogger Regina said...

This was a beautiful post, Darlene... I can't imagine what it must be like for parents... I would never want to let them go! But your daughter is so beautiful, inside and out, and seems to have your spirit, that she will certainly go far in her life. That is something to be proud of!
Blessings to you and yours also on the loss of Nell... I know she is holding all of you in her heart...

2:54 PM  
Blogger Deb R said...

Angela is beautiful - she looks a lot like her mother!

I'm sorry about your family's loss.

9:36 PM  
Blogger boho girl said...

i want to kiss her big, yummy lips.

i'm so proud of my kindred!

love you
love her.

xxoxoxo

ps. i am so sorry about Grandma Nell. it helps to know she is dancing in heaven and free of pain, doesn't it?

9:31 AM  
Blogger Amber said...

She is SO beautiful. You have lovely women in your family!

I woudl be sad to have my daughter go so far away, too...And also proud of her guts. ;)

:)

10:31 AM  
Blogger Amber said...

PS...So sorry about grandma. It is hard when these days come. Peace to you, dear.

:)

10:32 AM  

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