‘A Thing of Beauty is a Joy Forever…’
This is the first line from my Mom’s favorite poem, Endymion by John Keats. I just found this out at her funeral, which was on Tuesday. It makes me sound like we weren’t close, but we were. My sister, who had told a funny story around that poem, had also just found out this was Mom’s favorite poem a few months back. And my other sisters had no idea. My Mom was an open – and closed – book. How can she be both you ask? She was vivacious and social and fun, yet kept her cards/feelings close to her chest. And to God. She was religious, but didn’t burden us with following the faith, she survived some painful experiences, including the loss of two of her grown children, and many years with a fun, but sometimes unmanageable husband, yet she danced through life with a genuine grace, beauty and charm. I think it was the strength of that generation of women (she was in her 97th year when she left us) that has shown us that we can pretty much survive anything compared to what they endured. A true beauty in every way and a wonderful mother. She will be missed. The photos of the sunset were taken the day of her funeral. Just magnificent and colourful. Like her. And the following late afternoon, the sunbeams shining through made me think that she had found her maker, and they were sitting down together for a good ole chinwag. RIP Mom ♥ Elda Walton: July 10, 1921 – Feb 20th, 2018
Gillian Johnston
March 2, 2018 at 9:08 amHow beautiful a story and she sounds beautiful inside and out. I think the universe sends us signs from time to time and from those lovely pics I think it was telling you she is fine and onto her next adventure. Thanks for sharing your mother with us. Gillian
cathy miller
March 2, 2018 at 10:20 amI love this photo of your mom…I can see so much of you.
I Forwarded it on to sis Diane
Your thoughts about her generation are so true. I so miss my mom and Aunt (her sis) from that generation as they were both wise, positive, fun and easy to be with…miss poping in for a chat which was always so relaxing.
Patricia Grace
March 2, 2018 at 2:01 pmShe certainly was an extraordinary person and will be missed by family and friends! And yes the women of that period in history were a hardy lot!
Thanks for sharing the wonderful photos too Di.
diane
March 2, 2018 at 5:20 pmThanks Trish, Gillian & Cathy. Lovely words for a lovely woman.
Gabriella
March 2, 2018 at 4:03 pmI love the photo you took of your mum in the red jacket . It shows her charisma, joy and beauty – inner & outer.. I feel like I know her. Im glad she left this earth with a spiritual send off that she deserved. We had a similar experience with Peter’s beautiful mother. The cockatoos in the trees outside making a racket went quiet and flew up into the morning sky with her spirit… It’s actually an incredibly spiritual experience and gives a sense of peace and awe to all who witness that moment. A moment in time that stays with you forever.
I do agree that generation born in the 1920s have an inner resilience and fierce independence that I admire. They experienced massive changes in their life – war, peace, poverty, electricity, running water, the 1960s , T.V, man in the moon ,women’s rights, civil rights, David Bowie ( ha ha) right up to the smart phone. They are an extraordinary generation. .
Your mum experienced so much . She will be sorely missed. Rest In Peace Elda , beautiful mom of Di.
diane
March 2, 2018 at 5:18 pmThat’s beautiful Gub. That’s exactly how I saw it as well. And felt it. Such a nice cozy feeling. Yep, that generation was something special for sure.
I wish you’d met her as well. I tried to get her to come to Aus a few times, but Dad wasn’t the travelling type then. I’m sure I’ll be missing her for a long time to come.
Diane Brooks
March 3, 2018 at 3:35 pmSuch a beautiful tribute to your mom. It’s so true that in our quest for beauty in life, we find ourselves blessed by these – often sudden and unanticipated – gifts from the treasure in our mothers’ secret souls. And more will come, Diane, in these same inexplicable and ethereal ways. with love…
diane
March 3, 2018 at 5:31 pmThanks Diane, I’m so glad I spent a lot of time with her since returning from my travels (2001) and was also there when she slipped away. We were close. I agree – I’m sure there are more treasures to come. the sunbeams really took my breath away and I immediately thought of her and God together. Comforting. Hope you’re well, Dx