Most of you who have read my blog within the past month or so know that Mom passed away on February 20. My posts have concentrated on the events related to Mom: her 90th birthday party; her trouble getting around the house; my return visit after she was admitted to the hospital and wasn’t doing well.
After she died, Dave, my younger brother, and I did what we had to do. Part of this was cleaning out her apartment. One of the items I noticed was a locket. It was a locket permanently mounted on a little stand.
The small portrait in each oval were cut out of a bigger picture. This one:
This is a picture of my older brother Mike (on the right) and me (on the left). Mike is autistic, very low functioning and has never spoken. It looks like we were at the beach here, which means it was prior to 1962, when Mike went to Willowbrook.
This is the locket that has been on Mom’s dresser in each of her bedrooms for more than 50 years:
Great minds think a lot. These are the same portraits that I use for my banner on this blog.
I recognized it right away. I love that you and your Mom share this connection…
Thank you. I appreciate that you recognized it.
J
That’s beautiful, how curious that you both chose that picture… it is a great picture.
Thanks, Miranda. It’s probably not a coincidence. That picture meant a lot to both of us.
J
It is a brilliant picture. Photos like that are unusual because they capture a really natural moment that doesn’t look posed.
Thanks Miranda. I agree. Posed photos, with frozen, for-the-camera mugs are not my cup of tea. But photos which capture the moment are the best.
J
How beautiful, a connection there with you and your mum indeed xxx
Thanks, Ritu. A connection indeed.
J
Jack, I was so very sorry to read that your mum had passed away. My thoughts have been with you, even if my presence has been lacking. It’s lovely that you have a strong connection with your mum. I hope you are keeping well.
WR
YF
M
Thank you for your condolences, M. I think the connection arose specifically because of Mike. Don’t know if it would have happened otherwise. All things considered, I’m glad things turned out the way they did re my relationship with my mum.
I’ll be fine just have to get over this bronchitis that I got after I caught the flu. When it rains it pours, seemingly. Thank you again, my good friend.
WR
YF
J
I hope you recover soon. I suppose family relationships are an odd and complicated thing at the best of times. Handbooks are scarce. I admire your dedication and commitment to your own family though, particularly through your blog. I’m glad I am able to participate on you journey a little, even if only as observer. I’ll be thinking of you. Take care for now.
WR,
YF,
M.
Thank you, M.
WR
YF
j
How wonderful that you both choose that photo to display. And again, I am sorry for your loss.
Thank you, Vickie. I appreciate your comment. It seems that mom and I chose to look at that photo every day.
best,
J