for gramma, mama, and Libby dearest --

a mother's day tribute inspired by Lydia http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/Lydia-Shutter/1772069/

gramma -- I think of you, and your happy ways --
I have not one memory of you, not smiling, not laughing,
not giving, or sharing, loving or caring ...
you were truly what a grandma was meant to be.

mama -- you meant the world to me, and long after
the relationships that brought you into my life,
you remained. I mourned you, and I am honoured that
your place of rest is beside my own grandmother.

Libby -- a light stolen from this world suddenly,
tragically, and much too soon, even though
you were about to see your 87th moon --
I am so glad my kids got to have you in their life

3 mothers, grandmothers, and three special ladies --
tied by blood and circumstance to me,
I loved you all, and wish you a happy mother's day
from me.

Author's Note

This is really a personal poem, but I posted it anyway,
in honour of Mother's day. I had a wonderful gramma,
I loved her dearly. She died on my 25th birthday,
when "her number was called" -- Mama -- my ex's
grandma -- she remained very special to me long
after my ex was out of my life. Libby -- a special
woman who became a surrogate great grandma
to my kids -- she helped me see my true worth
and get out of my unhappy, abusive marriage,
and died in a tragic car collision that was the
other driver's fault. Just some of the women
besides my mom who taught me how to be a
better person and mother. p.s. captcha was
ENCLOUD which I thought was kinda cool

Reviews

[redzone]

I love your Mother's Day poem KL, they were special women and your poems allows us to see them and how they influenced you...

I was only able to know one grandmom (my mom's mom) as my other grand mom died when I was just a baby. We moved in with her when I was 4 and she was a loving and caring woman... she would come with us on those 2 week vacations back in the late 50's and it was a very sad day when she passed in 1965... funny how a good poem brings up memories... in this case it's our grandmothers who are talking to us reminding us of what they meant to us and also how we should behave and be good people..

seems to me that these women in your life raised a good woman who is a great mother and will make a great grandmother when the time comes...

redzone

[Lyn Anderson]

Thank you. I feel very fortunate.

[Einstein Noodle]

i love Lydia's tribute ..not surprised it inspired you so! before i read your author's note my first reaction was ..how touching and very personal ..your life experience is one not sung of very much ... not a common experience to have a Grandmother who was an in-law with a strong enough bond between you two that you both remained in each other's life ... your poem (each individual verse) touched me deeply thinking of my own ... and your escape from an abusive husband bring joy, as well, to my heart ..for your victory over such ugliness ..love and peace my friend in the pen ;)
E.

[Lyn Anderson]

Mama was the grandmother of my very first serious boyfriend. I later married his cousin. She was a part of my life after both breakups. Many connections, including the same birthday as my own mother, and the recipient of my grandfathers donated plot next to my grandmother. We had no idea who the plot went to. Now my ex boyfriend's mom tends to both graves. Life is a series of complex circles, leading us all to where we need to be.

[Einstein Noodle]

oh my goodness KL!!!! and as complex ... it can be just as toooooooooooooo simple ;) hugs and good vibes to you from ................ m
E.....

[jacob erin-cilberto]

they are all looking down, reading this and smiling greatly---most beautiful and heartfelt tribute.

[Lyn Anderson]

Thanks, and I hope so.

[Jon Roggie]

Touching words. Reminds me of some of the moms I know longer get to see.

[Lyn Anderson]

Thanks. I appreciate it. I am blessed to have so many wonderful positive female role models in my life.

[Jon Roggie]

Reminded me of how some of my friends think of my mom. Of course, I had to ramble.

[Lyn Anderson]

That's nice that you have a mom like that -- mine too.:)

[Matching Socks]

Kl, this is beautiful but the part about Libby.
I'm confused. Did she pass??

[Matching Socks]

Nevermind. I read Libby but thought of lydi*.
I'm sorry.

[Lyn Anderson]

Yes, she did -- It's in my notes -- she died in a car accident -- I am not sure why it isn't clear that she was a light stolen much too soon -- sometimes, when we read our own work, we don't see the gap -- help me out.:)

[Matching Socks]

You did good, don't worry. The error was mine.

[Lyn Anderson]

Oh, that's okay. Even more strange is my gramma's name was Lydia. I have written of her a few times. I bought her a red shirt that said "BINGO players never die, their number is just called" The number 18 was circled. I had her name printed on the back. She loved wearing it to gamble in Vegas. Anyhoo, my birthday is on the 18th (month unimportant) -- she died on my 25th birthday, and we buried her in that shirt. Now how's that for some funky coincidence.

[Matching Socks]

That's such a great story. :)
Well, not that she died on your birthday but the rest of it.

[Lyn Anderson]

Oh, I know, and believe it or not, although her death was devastating, it's easier having the anniversary of something sad attached to something good -- you can then put it in its proper perspective. Similarly, my second marriage was on Valentine's day -- which I have now reclaimed as Valentine's day completely -- very hard to do when it's just a random day in the middle of the month.

[Lyn Anderson]

I forgot to add how it came to be that Mama is beside my grandma in the graveyard. My grandparents purchased dual plots -- when we moved, he was a practical person and decided it was not sensible to be shipped for burial when the time came. Mama's husband had passed, and was a couple graves down from my grandma. When Mama died, the plot was donated to her family, without my family realizing to whom it had been donated till after the fact. My ex boyfriend's mom puts flowers on both their graves when she visits the cemetery. Now, how weird is that?