Thursday, April 23, 2009

Mom's Birthday

I would rather be ashes than dust! I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry-rot. I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet. The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time.

~Jack London

Last year, going through my mom's things, I found a print that had hung on her wall for as long as I could remember. It was this quote, matted and framed. It reminds me of how she lived her life.

I still miss her every single day.

I had planned to post this on June 15, the anniversary of losing my mom. But somehow, it seems more a quote that celebrates her life, not mourns her death, so I'll post it on this, which would have been her 67th birthday.

22 comments:

Anonymous said...

I come back here every now and then to feel that "magnificent glow". Thinking of you on this day.

Never That Easy said...

I still feel so lucky, that she shared a part of that wonderful life with all of us.

Be well, today and all days.

gurukarm (@karma_musings) said...

I still miss her lovely words. Thank you for reminding us of her birthday, and I hope you and your family's hearts are healing.

Kay Dennison said...

We were blessed to have he among us. I stop by here now and again to remember her wonderful intellect and wit.

Bitty said...

I can't say it better than what has already been said.

MG is still on my blogroll, and I hope someday to read the whole blog from the beginning since I only showed up for the last year or so.

I hope time will ease your pain, Julie. You were so lucky to have such a wonderful mother.

Ela "instant cash approval" Hobs said...

Better late than never..Happy Birthday!

Kay Dennison said...

We whose lives she touched are all blessed.

I stopped by because I recalled that we lost her and Winston within two weeks -- two outstanding blogging friends.

I remind my that her words are eternal and her heart and soul live on through her family -- what a lovely legacy she left!!!!

Jeanna said...

That's a great quote, I'm sorry you lost your mom, especially one so young.

Unknown said...

I found a comment from this blog, whether it was from you or your mother, on another's regarding co-sleeping and the advice which was given only cemented the small struggle currently occurring in our household.
It does not really matter who made the comment, the fact was that your mother sounds like a beautiful person with such an insight who raised an intelligent daughter. Both capable of passing their wisdom the learned throughout their own lives to those who are still relatively new in the world of parenting (and raising a toddler!).

In life, obviously death is inevitable and it never helps ease the pain of losing someone so close, as I have a wonderful bond with my own mother now that I have a child of my own. That being said, you and your mother have already touched my life in a way that seem so insignificant to the world. Even in death the words of this blog with continue to be shared with those who are seeking a bit of advice and help from those who were (and are) more than willing to give.
To me, nothing can possibly overcome death more than that.

My thoughts are with you as you search for healing from the loss of your mother.

Lucy said...

My girl just come to Lincoln, Ne. and I will give youa slice of tomato for that sandwich. I will be 80 Nov. 16 if I make it that long. I love that poem. Seems fitting to me. In my original fAMILY I am the only one left and it gets lonely. I wonder if my kids will miss me? There were 10brothers and sisters. I was the baby.

Anonymous said...
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Laura said...

This morning I started reading the OO group archived posts from about ten years ago. I found an exchange between your mother and myself that I had long forgotten. Her words were just as meaningful to me today as they were then. I printed out page after page of her wisdom to re-read when I'm feeling a little weak.

Then something made me come back here for a look around and I saw you'd posted on her birthday. She is sorely missed, even by people like me who never had the chance to meet her in real life.

Thank you for leaving this blog up.

Rain Trueax said...

I am glad you kept your mom's blog as her words are still those others might come across and benefit from reading. Maybe someday you'll add more to them about your mother and how you saw her. It could also be a gift to Maya someday.

HMBabb said...

Thinking of Joycelyn today. What would she be writing this year on her birthday? What would she think of us?

Stubby holders said...

I remember my mother's birthday. i really love my mother and I miss her so much. Thanks mom. Happy birthday to your mother.

Anonymous said...

Still missing Joycelyn.

Harold said...

Thinking of you on this anniversary of your birth, and hope this finds you well and happy wherever you are and whatever you're doing.
Wishing you fair winds and following seas.

Harold said...

Thinking of you today on the anniversary of your birth into this lifetime, and keeping good thoughts that you are happy and at peace.

Janey said...

Just thinking about "Joycelyn" today...not sure why. She will never be forgotten.

Harold/AQ said...

Once again thinking of you as I remember you, and wishing you fair winds and following seas wherever your fate has taken you. Hoping you are happy and at peace.

Harold/AQ said...

Keeping good thoughts for you and for all who loved you in this lifetime, and hope that you are happy and well wherever your journey has taken you.

J said...

For some reason I just went and looked at the comments awaiting moderation today (Nov 20, 2022) and see some from my mom’s real life friends and some from online friends, and I thank you. I wish blogger told me the date of these comments.

It’s been a long time since my mom died. I miss her every day. I am thankful to have had her in my life as long as I did.