“You can't stop time. You can't capture light.
You can only turn your face up and let it rain down.”
--Kim Edwards The Memory Keeper's Daughter
 |
| The Child's Bath, c. 1893 Mary Cassatt |
 |
| Shoe Shop, c. 1911 Elizabeth Sparhawk Jones |
Saturday after breakfast we needed a bit of spa time. Later in the afternoon the three of us headed out to do some wallet damage with her daddy. Once home we gathered in the kitchen to prepare her requested "Daddy's gilled steak" dinner. Heather assembled a cheese platter, I roasted winter vegetables and brussel sprouts and Roger tended the grill. We set the dining room table with linens and silver, but all was overshadowed by the conversation, laughter and love present.
This morning I woke early with aching heart; I knew it would soon be time to release her once again to return to her husband and the life they have built together. And, that is how it should be.
As I sat alone watching the sun rise and waiting to hear movement upstairs, I couldn't help but think of wise Charlotte (Charlotte's Web, E.B. White) describing her egg sac to Wilber. She told him it was her magnum opus. And I agree with Charlotte, everything dims in the presence of my child, she is my masterpiece. She is my heart.
Life is returning to what it has been. Tomorrow morning I will jump out of bed and ready myself for school. I will head downstairs to send a quick email for her to open when she arrives at her desk. It will begin as always "I am running late". Tomorrow evening we will chat a time or two, and I will have a joyful heart.
 |
| The Bedroom, c. 1889 Vincent van Gogh |
One day though...we will live closer together.....a mother's hopeful heart.
pictures of artwork taken
on my earlier trip to Chicago
What a lovely post--and every word is true, true, true. I love the line "she is my masterpiece". There is nothing like Mother-Daughter love. Mickie :)
ReplyDeleteHello Bonnie:
ReplyDeleteThe love and joy which is so evident in this post makes it an absolute delight for all those of us fortunate to be able to share it.
What a wonderful weekend you have had with your 'magnum opus'.
I am so glad you enjoyed your time with your daughter - sounds like you get along great together.
ReplyDeleteMy oldest daughter is 22 and I am dreading the day they all decide to fly the nest. But I'll not think about it today!!!
Lovely post.
Oh Bonnie...this was absolutey beautiful. It expresses so well the love between a mother a daughter which is like no other love.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you had a wonderful time together.
I have a smile on my face and a tear in my eye. I know the joy of having a beloved child visit--the sweet anticipation of their arrival and the heavy heart of their leaving is so familiar. I start planning the next visit as soon as they/we leave. Enjoy the memories until next time.
ReplyDeleteBest,
Bonnie
Oh, how I love this post. We share the same dream - to have our children move closer & to see them more often.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a lovely new week, Bonnie!
~ Zuzu
Beautiful post. Made me tear up as my daughter Heather lives on the other side of the country and we only see each other in the summer for a week and two weeks at Christmas. When she moved away, I went through a bad depression, however, time and acceptance has healed those wounds. However, at the end of each visit, my heart breaks still some more. Knowing how happy her life is in California though, gives me great joy.
ReplyDeleteMickie, Mothers and daughters do have a special bond. We have such fun together. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteJane and Lance, These are too few and too far apart, though I am very happy to see her build a life of her own and succeed. The absences are still difficult. Thank you!
Ellie, Enjoy every minute with your daughter. Time slips away and cannot be turned back. The great thing is suddenly you find you have a best friend in your daughter. Thank you!
Jill, Thank you so much. I was a most wonderful weekend. She truly is a delight. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteBonnie, Yes, I am already planning our next visit. It will not be too soon. Thank you!
Zuzu, Yes, I dream of large family Sunday suppers. Dreams do come true. Thank you!
Arleen, Watching our children succeed can be bittersweet. Knowing they are safe and happy heals some of the ache. We are so fortunate to live in a time when technology allows us to stay closely connected with our daughters. We both have a Heather. I like that! Thank you!
ReplyDeletewhat a beautiful story bonnie!! whenever my boys are home i "listen" for the "movement" upstairs that i don't hear anymore and it make me smile!!
ReplyDeletewe love them so much it hurts....
Just wonderful! Do you know the saying,
ReplyDelete'a son's a son 'til he gets a wife but a daughter's a daughter all her life.'
I don't know if it is true - I only have daughters!
Rosemary, Yes I have heard that saying. And, like you I do not have sons. I am truly blessed to have such a close relationship with my daughter. Daughters are wonderful, don't you think? Bonnie
ReplyDeleteYou made me teary with this one. I think about the day my baby will be grown and gone and I won't get the hugs and "i love you so much mommy" sprinkled throughout my day.
ReplyDeleteMy mom used to say, "no one will every love you as much as your mom" I believe it now!
What a marvelous time for you and your daughter! I know just how you feel. My daughter married over a year ago and I miss seeing and hearing her bound around this house! It is wonderful to talk with your children as adults - love each stage of their lives! This is a beautiful post - I am happy to be your newest follower!
ReplyDeleteKathy
What a lovely post. You've described this mother's heart too!
ReplyDeleteI'm blessed that my son, The Geek and his family live in town but my daughter, The Social Butterfly and her family lives 90 miles away.
ReplyDeleteWe do get to chat, laugh and visit everyday via phone though. Funny how much trouble her teens were and how we've become the best of friends!
God bless and enjoy this wonderful day sweetie!!! :o)
It is both a joy and a sorrow to let our grown ones go.
ReplyDeleteJulie, I agree with you mother. A mother's love is unconditional. Did you ever think you heart could hold so much love? Good to hear from you.
ReplyDeleteBeth, It seems I have touched on something so many feel.
Kathy, Welcome to Living Life. Letting go is one of the hardest things a mother must do, even though it is proof of a job well done. Thank you so much for your comment. Bonnie
ReplyDeleteNezzy, Thank you for your kind comment. I have always believed when a child is young it is important to be a parent. It is when they become adults we get to be their friend. Thanks, Bonnie
Ally, Letting go is by far the hardest thing a parent has to do; watching them succeed as an adult is one of the most wonderful things we are allowed to witness. Thanks, Bonnie
I know what you mean. Our children are truly our treasures. My daughter lives in a basement apartment in our home with my grandson while she finishes school and hopefully gets a job. It will be a long time before she is ready to be independent, even though she is in her 20's. I encourage her to be, but secretly, in my heart, I hope she never leaves.
ReplyDelete