May 8, 2010

THE SPIRIT OF MOTHERHOOD


My sister Carla and her daughter Emily on left. And, Emily and me on right.

My mother Suzanne died of breast cancer at the age of 42 when I was 8 years-old and from that moment forward, I just dreaded Mother's Day. This continued until many years later—when babies were born into our family. I don't have any children of my own [except for a dachshund!] and the day my sister Carla asked me to be her daughter Emily's godmother, was a happy one indeed! I cherish the relationship I've had with Em since the day she was born. My sister has always considered me a second mom and has shared the precious role of motherhood with me at every turn. She is generous with the spirit of motherhood. So, it is in the spirit of motherhood that I wish all moms a very Happy Mother's Day.

15 comments:

  1. and share the motherhood indeed, with the best auntie girls could ever wish for!

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  2. Such a lovely and honest post ... thanks for sharing -- and here's to your sis!

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  3. these portraits are so full of softness and light-not to mention Love. I too share a special relationship with my Niece -Liz, thanks to my brother and x sister in law. never have their differences interferred. She is soon to be 27, and I can hardly believe it! I admire her in all ways- a treasure and Emily is such a blessed young lady.

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  4. Thanks so much Jg! ;) Barbara

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  5. pgt... thank you. I'm so happy for you and your niece Liz. Em will be 20 in June. She goes to college near where I live in MA, so it's a grand treat to be so close all year. We are lucky to be Aunties!!

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  6. Happy Mother's Day to you. Aunties are sometimes the very best moms.
    mb from Dallas

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  7. Barbara - that is a very touching story and the loss of a mom no matter what age has lifelong impact on our lives. I lost my mom three years ago and also learned to dread mother's day, but your post has given me a renewed appreciation for the other values of the holiday. Obviously you have savored a piece of your mom in your life and that is why the holiday was so hard to face each year, which in and of itself is a way to honor your mother. best, t

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  8. Dear T, you are so kind to understand and you have so many more memories of your mom, which makes it even more difficult. I try to peel away a little bit of the life-long struggle each year in the effort to come to grips with the pain of never really knowing her. ox B

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  9. Barbara,
    What a beautiful post - so sorry about your Mom, but that so special about your niece.
    Thanks so much for your kind and supportive comment. Have a wonderful wknd. xo

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  10. Anne, Your grandfather had such a wonderful light in his eyes! Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend. It's a beautiful evening here on the MA coast! ox B

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  11. Thank you Viv ; )
    I must come by and see your new paintings!

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  12. What a beautiful way to honor your mother Barb ~ again so lovingly tucked within the archives of your dog-eared pages. She lives on in you in the way that you so carefully take care of others. I would have loved her! XO

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