I started Spicebush Log on February 8, 2009, inspired by Tom Ryan's blog, The Adventures of Tom & Atticus. My mother was one of my biggest fans and my most regular reader. In recent years, macular degeneration had robbed her of the ability to read well, but just recently she asked about Tom and Atticus, wondering how they were doing. As it happened Tom lost Atticus this year and I lost my mother.
I haven't blogged much this past year, instead I was caring for my parents as they lived their final months in their home of nearly 60 years. And then after my Dad passed in November, my mother came to live with us until her death in June. Although I miss her (and Dad), they lived full lives into their 90s. And this recent post by Tom, captures some of my thoughts too:
My mother was born in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania on August 31, 1921, the daughter of Agnes Stark Sumner and Sherman Sumner. She was born at home and the doctor who delivered her told her mother Agnes that he didn’t expect her to live long and certainly not to age 94!
She loved gardening, reading, music, ice cream and chocolate, puffy clouds and sunny days. For nearly 60 years she cared for the 1760s-era old saltbox house that Dad restored and where she raised four of us and welcomed in many neighborhood kids. Even into their 90s, they visited the local dance halls enjoying swing, country and especially contra dancing. Their 60-acre Amherst farm was among the first to be part of the Massachusetts Agricultural Preservation Program. They leased their farmland to a local CSA, Brookfield Farm, and were dear friends and mentors to Brookfield’s farmers and apprentices.
My mother, I think, would want me to be blogging again. Although I am not sure how many people read blogs anymore, I never did it for readership, but rather to journal about experiences, places, people, nature, and other musings. The blog connections that I have made over the years are precious and I still check in with those writers now and then--they've been more persistent in their writings. So, I begin again, my blogging career (!), for you Mom.
I haven't blogged much this past year, instead I was caring for my parents as they lived their final months in their home of nearly 60 years. And then after my Dad passed in November, my mother came to live with us until her death in June. Although I miss her (and Dad), they lived full lives into their 90s. And this recent post by Tom, captures some of my thoughts too:
"When I think of my late
friend, sometimes I sigh. But mostly I smile and wonder where the years went.
When people tell me absolutes about where Atticus is or what he’s thinking or
if he appeared in the form of a rainbow or a butterfly or a cardinal, I pretty
much ignore them. All I need to know is that he’s alive within me. That is
nourishment enough."
She loved gardening, reading, music, ice cream and chocolate, puffy clouds and sunny days. For nearly 60 years she cared for the 1760s-era old saltbox house that Dad restored and where she raised four of us and welcomed in many neighborhood kids. Even into their 90s, they visited the local dance halls enjoying swing, country and especially contra dancing. Their 60-acre Amherst farm was among the first to be part of the Massachusetts Agricultural Preservation Program. They leased their farmland to a local CSA, Brookfield Farm, and were dear friends and mentors to Brookfield’s farmers and apprentices.
My mother, I think, would want me to be blogging again. Although I am not sure how many people read blogs anymore, I never did it for readership, but rather to journal about experiences, places, people, nature, and other musings. The blog connections that I have made over the years are precious and I still check in with those writers now and then--they've been more persistent in their writings. So, I begin again, my blogging career (!), for you Mom.
Ellen, first of all my sincerest condolences to you on the loss of your mother.
ReplyDeleteYou chose to quote what I feel is a very appropriate passage from Tom's recent posting regarding the death of Atticus. The sentiment he expressed seems to go hand-in-hand with words written long ago by William Wordsworth: “Though nothing can bring back the hour of splendor in the grass, of glory in the flower; we will grieve not, rather find strength in what remains behind . . ."
And lastly, it's terrific that you have decided to resume your blogging. I say that not only because your decision is influenced by heartfelt respect your mother, but also because there are folks like me who truly enjoy your postings.
John
Bravo Ellen! I have been checking in often over the past several months hoping you will return to writing. I am inspired by your posts and eagerly look forward to learning from your knowledge and wisdom.
ReplyDeleteLovely post Ellen. Though I know a wee bit about your parents from your blog I didn't know about dancing into their 90s! As with your father this post seems to me, who didn't know them, like a wonderful appreciation of them.
ReplyDeleteI too have nearly abandoned my blog. But blogs I think can offer something that nothing else does. So I'm very happy to hear that you are returning to yours!
Ellen, this is as beautiful as you are. Your mother would be so proud of you. You did 'good.' You continue to be special. Write on. The world needs to hear more from you.
ReplyDeleteDear blogging friends -- Tom, Ken, JoAnne, and John --
ReplyDeleteSuch faithful readers and much needed support for my renewed blogging. Thank you for reading, for your inspiration, and for your kind words, and your unrelenting spirit (especially in these times of too many disturbing distractions). Your friendship renews my spirit.
Thanks You, Ellen
Just caught up with all your recent blog posts. Lovely stuff. Nice, sincere and heartfelt tributes who lived their lives well, raised a good family and faded away peacefully. What more can one ask for?
ReplyDeleteYour passion for nature and the outdoors come through very well. Very nice that Srishan and you share that passion. Keep blogging. You are right that it is just a journal.