Wednesday, October 11, 2023

In Memory of Mama




 Today if Mama had lived, she would be 101.  She passed away two years ago and I still miss her.  We were best friends, took trips together, went to church together, we enjoyed each other's company.  Some people may think I "should have" gotten over the grief, moved on with life. Sure, life goes on and I must go on, too.  But today I grieve the loss of Mom.  Of course, I believe she's in heaven, but I still miss her.  Always will.  I've written a poem about her and posting it in celebration of precious Mom.

Blanche, Blue Ridge Woman

I am from home-canned jellies,
from Ball jars and Blair food coloring,
I am from a log cabin
tucked away in the Trout Cove.

I am from black-eyed Susans
pulsing in the fields,
I'm from pumpkins and squash
piled in orange and yellow heaps.

I'm from mountain dulcimers,
Granddaddy Shook sawing the fiddle,
clogging in the old red barn.
I'm from  moss-covered rocks,

swimming in Brasstown Creek.
I'm from Shady Grove  Baptist Church,
Richard Powers leading shape-note music,
and Daddy planting crops by the signs.

I am from the Blue Ridge Mountains,
water-bath canning, jars
of peaches  and garden produce
sparkling like gems in the pantry.
                 --Brenda Kay Ledford



7 comments:

Prims By The Water said...

A great tribute to your mom. Janice

Anonymous said...

One doesn't get over the loss of a loved one.
Love doesn't die ever.
You go on and heal the best you can.
Your love for her is a testament to what a wonderful mother she was.

BVLW said...

This posting brings back memories of the traditional gospel song of Tennessee song writer, John B. F. Wright.He wrote the song to offer encouragement. I believe your posting gives all of us hope of seeing our loved ones again.
BVLW

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

It is so good to see Miss Blanche again. I've always enjoyed reading your posts about your adventures together. I envy you the relationship you had with your mother. I did not have it with mine, but I did with our children, and I am thankful.
And no, I don't think you ever get over it. The loss of a loved one is always going to leave an unfillable hole.

Judi Murphy said...

What a beautiful tribute to your mother! I celebrate her life now in heaven and take joy with you in knowing you will one day be reunited with her.

Donna said...

You Never get over the grief....it just changes into something we can live with...
She was lovely.
hugs
Donna

Glenda Beall said...

Brenda, I love the poem. I know Blanche does, too.
My mother has been gone for many years, but I still think about her every day and still miss her. We don't get over grief. The mourning of our loved ones is always with us, but we eventually learn how to go on with our lives and keep our beloveds in our hearts.