It seems longer than a year…. but then again, everything about the past twelve months seems strange.
I miss mum.
I miss visiting her and sharing sweets and strange conversations…
I miss the vibrant, capable woman she once was.
There is much I miss.
And now I miss Anna too – mum’s dog who we cared for here, as our own, for several years.
Perhaps I don’t miss…
Well, I don’t really know, but…
If mum had remained, being cared for, during this pandemic crisis,
Beyond the possibilities of casual and easy visits….
I cannot imagine, really.
And in these words from Christina Rosetti, that mum loved so much, we are reminded that:
Missing is ok, remembering is ok…. but so is forgetting…
Live.
Smile.
Remember me when I am gone away,
Gone far away into the silent land;
When you can no more hold me by the hand,
Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay.
Remember me when no more day by day
You tell me of our future that you plann’d:
Only remember me; you understand
It will be late to counsel then or pray.
Yet if you should forget me for a while
And afterwards remember, do not grieve:
For if the darkness and corruption leave
A vestige of the thoughts that once I had,
Better by far you should forget and smile
Than that you should remember and be sad.
[Remember Me, Christina Rosetti 1830 – 1894]