I have no Knit and Natter today. My lovely feisty , fiery, rumbustious Mum has left the building, and I am in bits. She had 80 wonderful years and then a slow decline for ten more with that most dreadful of Illnesses, Alzheimer’s. Fortunately for me she never forgot me. And I of course will never forget her.
So dear, dear friends, please can I ask you to share wonderful memories of your Mum with me today, and if you can give them an extra big hug, or phone them to say how much they mean to you.
I’ll try to be back at Knit and Natter next week, right now I am reliving my childhood memories. Somewhere on the beach at Scarborough with these ne’er do wells. See if you can spot me. Photo by a dear friend of the family who likewise is no longer with us.
PS he and my Mum broke my sledge riding down a snowy slope one Winter, said she was rumbustious.
Cathyx
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Comments on: "Stop the clocks." (40)
Oh I’m sorry *hugses*
I have very few memories from my childhood (even though I’m only 30), but I will always remember learning to bake with my mum. We’re a family of bakers and every time I get out my wooden spoon I feel like we’re connected, despite living 200 miles apart.
I shall call my mum today and tell her I love her, and send some hugging thoughts your way.
I’m reading backwards here as I just got a glimmer of what was going on for you from your last post. Changes indeed, but not the kind you want. A beautiful tribute to someone that sounds like they had a beautiful and vibrant soul. I am so sorry for your loss. You never stop missing them though you carry them deeply embedded in your heart. Alzheimer’s is one of the most unkind illnesses. Please accept my deepest condolences, Cathy. I’m just too far behind on my reading or would have caught this sooner.
I’m so sorry about your mom. It doesn’t matter how long they stay with us, it is never enough. She sounds like a woman of humor, and that is so important. My mother died when I was 9.5, and it has ever been a loss.
She was a fabulous embroiderer – what’s called stump and Brazilian today, don’t know what she called it. Even as I little girl, I learned enough watching her for hours that when I wanted to embroider something for my husband as a young mom, I was able to do it. Nothing in my life has ever happened that a saying of Mama’s didn’t come to mind that covered it. =) That’s a great beach photo, and one you must treasure. I have no idea which one you are, but what a wonderful memory.
Cathy, I’m so, so sorry for the loss of your mother. Reading your post, I know I’m incredibly fortunate that my own 80-something mother is still alive and in good health. My parents live in another state, so we don’t get together often, but we talk on the phone twice a week and I cherish those calls. I can’t imagine not having them to talk to. One of my favorite memories is of my mom and I riding an elephant together at the zoo where I once volunteered. We had such huge grins on our faces! Wishing you comfort in the days ahead and fond memories to warm your heart….Hugs, Cherie
So very sorry to read of the sad loss of your mum. Take your time with things and know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of many people just now. Lots of hugs and good wishes to you xxx
I’m so sorry to hear about your Mum, she sounds like a very special person and your photograph shows such a happy group. I’m sending a scottish hug and thinking of you and your lovely Mum x
I’m so sorry to hear this. Remember to look for all the good memories and the funny memories and to talk of her with joy. I am certain she would want you to think of her and smile.
My mum, now in her 80s, started going to the gym a couple of years ago. In terms of her physical and mental health it has been better than any drug. She has a personal trainer, Dan, and loves chatting to everyone else there – including the tattooed body-builders. She goes twice a week – combining her Friday trip with her weekly visit to the hairdressers for a shampoo and set. I’m pretty certain there are not many 84-year-olds with quite such an open approach to life.
(((Cathy))). So sorry to hear abt the loss of your mother! My mother died 23 years ago and I still miss her. She was blunt, intuitive, with an incredible eye. A real creative talent. She smoked a lot and had a very distinctive cackle. If I got separated from her as a kid, I’d just wait to hear her laugh.
I’m sorry and wish you the peace of many happy memories!
Sending you love from Australia. Mums are irreplaceable. My mum was a feisty woman too and I loved her to bits. I hope I am a good mum to my children. They still come to visit so I guess I must be doing ok.
You will find that you become teary at some strange times. Things that make you think of your mum. Things she taught you to do. Things she said. Favourite items of hers etc. It all helps in the grieving process. xxx
Cathy I am so sorry to read about your mum. It will not be an easy time for you. But you will have your memories. May they be a solace for you. You and you family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Cathy – I am sure you are in bits. Our mother – daughter relationships are so wonderfully complicated. My mom (86) lives with us. Its grand, but there are trying times. Like when I caught her standing on the kitchen counter one morning because she didn’t want to wake anyone and needed a very specific tea cup. Your post inspired me towards more understanding. As I helped Mom put her socks on this morning I thought of you. I send you well thoughts.
Cathy. So very sorry to hear this saddest of news. Sending you love from Cape Town xxx
I’m so sorry for you Cathy, I wish you all the best in this difficult time.
My mother is the inspiration behind my love of plants, and I treasure each phone call where the talk strays to the garden.
You can’t force smiles like the ones in your photo, it shows nothing but happiness.
Oh, Cathy, I am so very sorry to hear about your mum’s passing. Sending big hugs and lots of love to you across the waves. ❤❤❤
I’m so sorry to hear your precious mom has passed. ((((HUG))) My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Such wonderful memories to have, Cathy, and they will always be with you. Many warm hugs to you as all the pieces gather together again. Your lovely mother is still vivaciously enjoying herself on another plane, and still loving you all. xxx
I am so sorry orry for your loss. So thankful for the years you had, she must have been a wonderful mom!
Dear Cathy, it’s never easy is it when the circle closes and a loved one leaves. It really is a final farewell and even when we know it is good for them to go – still we are left behind. You will indeed be in pieces. A gentle hug is sent your way. I’d love to hear more about that photo when you are ready. .
Really sorry to hear this sad news Cathy. My thoughts are with you. Photos bring back good memories don’t they. I remember going sledging up the fields with my Mum, sister, cousin’s and sheepdogs. Fun times. X
Sending much love your way Cathy. I know how difficult it is having a parent with Alzheimers, we are going through it with Mr Patch’s Dad who is 90+. Memory is a strange thing and the way Alzheimers affects it is even stranger. My father in law has very clear memories of his younger days (but not the last 5 minutes… which can be quite useful if it’s his birthday because he celebrates all day long, or if there is cake around because he forgets he’s eaten it and then has more!!!)). I’m hoping your Mum could remember the the same things you are remembering now. x
So sorry to hear about your mum, Alzheimer is a dreadful disease making very mixed feelings, however much you don’t want them to suffer, you don’t want them to go either. My mum is travelling that road at the moment and it’s hard watching her decline. Enjoy your memories of your fiesty mum, thinking of you and sending lots of big Yorkshire hugs x
I am so sorry for the loss of your Mom. I pray that you find comfort in your memories and from friends and family. My Mom had the biggest heart. She would give her last dollar to anyone who was in need. Growing up, I remember she always had a camera in her hand. I am sure that is where I received my love for the camera. I will be sure to give her a call today. Big hugs to you ((()))
I’m so sorry, Cathy. I wish I had wise words to offer, but I lost Ma when I was 23; she has been out of my life longer than she was in it, and at this distance I am able to say that the good memories are much stronger and more lasting than my recollection of her last days and the long drawn out business of dying of cancer. I envy you your wonderful fiery, feisty mum and the colour she brought to your world.
Hugs! ❤
Dear Cathy – I am so very sorry to hear your sad news. How very difficult all those years of Alzeimers must have been – but what a lovely lively mum you clearly have strong memories of! May those happy memories stay with you and sustain you x
Hi Cathy…so sorry to hear about your mum…sending you hugs. I lost my Mum to Alzheimer’s back in 2013..such a cruel illness but like your mum she always knew who I was..not sure if she thought of me as her daughter but she always recognised me. My Mum was a difficult lady and our relationship was fraught at times but she was my mum and I looked after her till she had to go into a home. I wouldn’t here and have what I have now without her. I have a lot to thank her for.
Take care
Jan x
Cathy, I so wish I was right there to give you a big hug in person. It is just so hard. Maybe our moms have met in heaven already…wouldn’t that be something?! One of the most powerful memories I have is of my mom taking care of me when I was sick and asthmatic. Until nursing one child and spouse through harrowing breathing attacks, I had no idea how amazing a job she did with me. I was very sick, but never, never afraid in those years, and it was her calm and measured voice and actions that achieved that. I am still discovering how much she did for me that I never realized, and it makes me feel so loved, even though she’s in heaven. Praying for you, and sending love.
Oh, Cathy. I am so sorry. My mom has dementia, too, and I feel like I’ll be losing her twice–her indomitable spirit and personality and, later, her life. But, like you, I choose to focus on who she still is and my memories of all she has been! Is your mom in that wonderful photo? Which one is she?
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your mum Cathy. As much as I would love to give mine a hug I can’t as I lost her in December 2015. Thinking of you at this difficult time and sending you ((hugs)) x
Oh, so sorry to hear this sad news! I can’t imagine what a world without Mom in it will be like, she is such a force(for good) in our world. This isn’t a memory but a plan. For close to 40 years, she and her two sisters have spent a week together in various cottages locally. They have a blast! This March they have rented a larger house and all the daughters are joining them. There will be 8 of us from mid-40’s to early 80’s having a lovely time together. I can’t wait!
I’m so sorry to hear this. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
“feisty, fiery, rumbustious’ – what lovely adjectives to describe your Mum, Cathy!
So heart-breaking to have to say goodbye but it’s thanks to her you grew up to become the woman you are and I’m sure you have so many wonderful memories to make you smile and help you through the times ahead.
My Mum died when only 50 (and I was 21) so my memories are now of a woman younger than myself – that’s very strange, I can tell you. She was always laughing, singing, and up to something. A memory I save for every Christmas time is Mum doing the housework, singing “Hark the Herald Angels” at the top of her lungs ^^
Dear Cathy, I am so sorry for your loss ❤ xxxx
I’m so sorry to hear your news. I lost my mum the day before I had my youngest child; birth and death together is hard. Mums are irreplaceable, aren’t they? Many hugs. XXX
So sorry to hear about your mum. I know when my mum died it was devastating to even though she was 90 and rather frail. Just take time to remember all the good times and do what needs to be done. We’ll all be here when you get back!
I’m so sorry for your loss Cathy.
I think you’re crouching by the little boy and 99% sure your Mum is stood at the end with handbag hooked over her arm – as she looks like you do.
I am so sorry for your sad loss Cathy – you are going to miss her so much but will always hold so many fond memories of a lifetime and there will be a lot of your mum in you that will always be there and carry on down through the generations.
We have a very similar picture to yours of a windswept family group posing for a photo – but more likely at Bridlington. My favourite memories will always be our family picnics in Clumber park where we would meet up with the Linconshire side of the family (we lived in Sheffield then), put up a tiny canvas tent for the day and manage to cook a full Sunday dinner that had been prepared before hand and finished on the camping stove. My mum was a knitter back then and proud of her accomplishments so often we would all be dressed in her hand knitted jumpers and cardigans even on a warm day!
Thinking of you and sending hugs x
So very sorry for your loss. My mum and dad had their honeymoon in Scarborough after the war. It’s such a happy photo of them. I love to see it. Best wishes
Cathy, I’m so sorry – as soon as I saw the title of your post come up in my emails this morning I knew it would be bad news.
It’s so hard to lose a parent no matter how old they (or we) get.
I love the photo although I’m not going to hazard a guess which one is you and it reminds me of jumping in the car with my sisters and brother, plus my auntie and her two kids and Mum driving us all down to Brighton on sunny days. No seat belts back then and we would rough and tumble in the back and, if it got too out of hand, she would stop the car in a layby and we’d be threatened with turning back for home if we didn’t behave. I don’t believe she’d even passed her driving test at first 😱 Still we all survived and lots of memories were made.
As you know, I lost my Mum late last year and I still miss our long telephone calls and our long, chatty knitting sessions when she came over to see me for her Summer (and Spring and Christmas) holidays.
My Mum was full of old (mostly Cockney) sayings and superstitions that I find myself trotting out at regular intervals so I can’t possibly forget her and I know you will never forget your Mum – she’s in your head and your heart forever.
Wishing you lot of hugs through this difficult time ((((Cathy)))) xx