Greetings and best wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving. Today’s featured photo is of my mother and me, circa 1954. I think of Mom especially at Thanksgiving, a bittersweet holiday for me because in 1968, when she was only 48 years old, on the day before Thanksgiving she died.
It rained that day. I was sixteen years old. An anchor in my life let loose, setting me adrift. If you’ve read my memoir, Undertow, you know this.
My mother was a devoted, smart, thoughtful one. One value she instilled in me was to respect other people and be kind. I try. Her good example and sound advice on those things and others have stood me in good stead throughout many ups and downs on my life’s journey.
She also loved poetry and often recited some to me. Like this …
Who has seen the wind?
Neither you nor I:
But when the trees bow down their heads,
The wind is passing by.
Not only did Mom offer me poetry, she offered her fantastic pumpkin pie. It’s still my favorite; I’ll try any pumpkin pie, even Publix brand. Although that is yummy, it’s second rate compared to Mom’s.
So, as you can probably imagine, as I do every year at Thanksgiving, I spend some extra time thinking about my mom, grateful that she took good care of me, that she made scrumptious pie, and that her love of poetry got under my skin.
Who are you especially thankful for this holiday?
Thanks for reading!
Your writer on the wing,
Charlene
P.S. I’m still working on that promised blog about Salman Rushdie. It’s difficult. Writing is harder than it appears.
Peggy+Lantz
Among other things, I’m thankful for you and our friendship.
Charlene L. Edge
Likewise, Peg.
Maggi
Such a touching tribute to your mother. Losing her at truly the most changing time of your life was devastating. She did instill many values for you to follow. During those tormented years in the Way did you find yourself seeking her guidance? I talk to my father and grandparents all the time. Long story about the woman I called mama.
we truly miss you two and hope you are doing well. we continue to feel blessed just living in our kids backyard????
Charlene L. Edge
Interesting question. Answer is no. Our belief system prohibited doing that.
Glad you’re enjoying your new spot on the planet. Miss you, too!
Kathleen Brandt
Here’s my favorite by C.R, which I read at my brother’s funeral:
Remember me when I am gone away,
Gone far away into the silent land;
When you can no more hold me by the hand,
Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay.
Remember me when no more day by day
You tell me of our future that you plann’d:
Only remember me; you understand
It will be late to counsel then or pray.
Yet if you should forget me for a while
And afterwards remember, do not grieve:
For if the darkness and corruption leave
A vestige of the thoughts that once I had,
Better by far you should forget and smile
Than that you should remember and be sad.
Much love to you, Charlene, as you honor your mom’s memory. She is with you still.
Candy Dawson
I adore that photo. As Thanksgiving 2022 approaches, I am thankful for getting to know you and Hoyt. The holidays can be bittersweet and yours even more than most. Your dear mother imparted her loving, caring, sharing ethos in many ways that I see in you. Your post has inspired me to make a pumpkin pie of my own this year. Have a Happy Thanksgiving and know that you inspire people in ways you may never know.
Charlene L. Edge
We’re happy to get to know you and Greg, too, Candy. You’re an inspiration, as is Greg.
Enjoy that pie.
Charlene L. Edge
Thank you so much for sharing such a gorgeous poem, one honoring your brother. Yes, I feel my mom is with me still.
Nylda Dieppa
This beautiful and heartfelt post is one of my favorites and I am so grateful to your mom for nurturing you into the (add superlative here) human being that you are!
Charlene L. Edge
Thank you for sharing, Nylda. I owe my mom a lot.