What the Heck happened to Labby
My mother's memorial service was scheduled for the 27th of July. So, I had to visit the Great White North. This time of year there isn't much white stuff. Western NY in the summer is a wonderful place. It was overshadowed by the loss of my mom but, as is the case in my family, we welcomed the opportunity to come together from all parts of the US to join in a celebration of her life.
Nieces and Nephews flew in for the occasion. One came all the way from Anchorage, another from Costa Rica. Most are still in the Eastern US but we also had cousins from the Midwest make the trek.
My Mother was one of the founding faculty for NTID (National Technical Institute for the Deaf) which is one of the colleges at the Rochester Intitute of Technology (RIT). As such, at her memorial service 1/2 of the sanctuary was deaf or hard of hearing folks. Several of the people that my mom trained to interpret volunteered to sign for the service. My mother was also a CODA (A hearing Child of Deaf Adults). Her first words were signed not spoken. In fact, she was in 1st grade before she ever spoke.
Thie service was brief but the reception was joyful in the celebration of Mom's life. There were people there that I hadn't seen in over 40 years. Everyone had a wonderful experience memorializing a wonderful woman.
After, I was able to spend a bit of time with each of my daughters and granddaughters. The picture at the top of the post is a cottage on Seneca Lake that my Brother In Law's family owns. We did some tubing and took a few boat rides with the kids. Food was in plentiful supply. We even were able to have some early season corn from one of the local farm stands.
The only negative was that I was unable to get online. But, you know what? It was more important to be present for the people in my life than to bang away at a keyboard.
Now that I'm back, I can focus on the future. Last weekend was for the past.
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"Everyone had a wonderful experience memorializing a wonderful woman".Great positive words moving forward and words that your mom would be proud of.
The loss of a mother is not easy. Your family seems close. Do you sign? Were you able to understand your grandparents?
As an interpreter, my joy was to interpret between deaf adults and their childhood hearing friends whom they had not seen in years. This often happened at family functions and with an interpreter quietly present, they reunited and learned NEW things about each other. I have no doubt but what your Mother was often blessed with these situations as well. May God rest her soul.
You have been blessed to have had her as your mother.
Blessings.
Yes, my grandmother lived with us for many years while I was growing up. I was quite adept at signing at one time.
My thoughts and prayers are with at this time of loss. I also know the feelings of loss, as i lost my mom last year and my dad three years ago. As it was with you spending the time with family helped us call get through it.
We hope you had a joyous celebration of your mother's life. We have both lost our mothers in recent years and we understand the magnitude of your loss.
But how wonderful to hear of the gathering of your family and the bonding and love you all share. At the end of the day and the end of our lives, this is the true wealth of our journey.
Welcome back, and we now move forward with you, Craig.
With friendship and brotherhood,
Colette and Philip
My condolences on your mother’s passing away. Reading your blog I got the feeling that the sadness of losing a parent was some what overcome by reacquainting with family and friends that you haven’t seen in a long time and celebrating your mother’s life.
May peace be with her and also with you -- it's a transitional passage of time & space and it's okay to take some time-out for yourself & loved ones... she sounds like a mighty Mother as we all are... one needs to be very brave living in this world. . . keep well & heartfelt wishes special to you.... :)
Sorry for your loss, Labman. Sounds like your mother did a lot of good for many people, a person to be very proud of.
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The loss of a parent is a bitter pill to swallow. Cherish the happy memories and times you spent with her.
A lovely reminder that we don’t live forever and to cherish each waking moment with a smile or a helping hand to those we meet in our daily lives