Today would have been Mom's 87th birthday, and we continue to miss her in our lives. I come across pictures like the one above of picnicking on the grounds of her retirement center. Or the photo from her birthday just last year.
And sometimes, it is still hard to believe she is gone. That's why there are birds on our Christmas tree...they remind me of Mom. How she loved to watch (and listen) for birds. She could be having a tough day and we'd take her for a walk around her retirement center. Once she was outside, she knew the birds were there, too - darting and flitting about. Her favorites were the cardinals. Her spirits lifted as she tried to track the action at the feeders and trees by her feathered friends. Mom also had a lot of bird figurines around her home to reflect her love of birds.
When it came time to decorate for the holidays, I wanted to have memories of Mom at Christmas time -the month of her birth and also our first Christmas without her. Somehow the tree seemed the logical place for this. With birds on loan from the library art stash (used in a previous winter decor and borrowed with permission) and strands of berries, nuts and leaves plus some actual collected birds' nests I went to town with our tree. It may be my favorite one ever! (But, that's what I say every year.)
Savor the memories. You never know what is to come. Life is fragile. And birds sing. Miss you, Mom.
7 comments:
Oh Deb - how special. What a way to remember, and provide tribute, to your mom. Snow is falling here today, they called off school before the first flake. This is the storm that came from your area. Nice to have a day, I think I'll actually get the Christmas cards done. I got yours, what a hoot. I miss you! Merry Christmas ... love, Sandi
Deb, I love that there are birds on your Christmas tree this Christmas. What a special way to remember and honor your mom this Christmas. I am sad that I just now saw this post, I am sure your mom was on your mind and heart all day. I'll be thinking of you! With much love, samara
Grandma would love your tree, mom. I am glad that I got to see it in person this Christmas season, and I am glad that the library was willing to loan those birds out to you.
I know that Grandma was so fond of those birds - she would always be talking about them when we would come and visit. Do you remember her 'flowering' cactus too, and how she would talk about how amazed she was that it was always in bloom.
Peace to her memory.
Beautiful post, pictures, and tree! Thanks for sharing some memories of Grandma.
Thank you for alerting me about this post. I look forward to reflecting about loved family members over this break, like you have here. Writing is a powerful medium...as are pictures.
Beautiful memories, Deb! Your Mom`s memory will always be with us! I am sooooo glad I was able to meet her this year! We had a good time :)
What a neat way to remember your mom. The tree is beautiful. Thinking of you (and your family) as you are missing Vera this Christmas.
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