I visited my mother 6 weeks before she passed away. Living several states away I hadn’t seen mom since my father died eight years prior. She’d had Alzheimer’s for several years and seemed lost in a fog when Frank and I arrived at the nursing home. Mom had known Frank from the time they lived in Norridge, Illinois 40 years ago when we started dating. She seemed to remember him but was trying hard to remember from where.
Frank and I brought 2 small photo albums one with photos of mom from birth until she and my father married. The second album contained photos of her 4 children starting from the time I was born. I was her first born child and I hoped because of that she would always remember me. I believed a woman would always remember her first born child because that moment would change her life forever.
The second day of the visit the 3 of us were sitting and reminiscing of my childhood days. I said I remembered a Can-Can costume my mother had made for herself. I stood up to demonstrate the dance and at the end turned around and flipped up my imaginary skirt. Mom actually laughed out loud. When I said I love you, Mom she replied, “I love you too, Susan”. She knew who I was!
The last day of our visit was difficult for all of us. Although Frank and I talked about renting a place on Sheridan, WY. to be closer to her I knew in my heart that day might be the last day I saw my mother alive. I believe in my heart my mother also knew that was the last time she’d see me, too. Sadly, that was the reality. Mom quietly passed away 6 weeks later. It was as if she waited to see the first born child she hadn’t seen in many years and when I left she felt she could go too.
My brother, Dan, officiated at her memorial service when the 4 siblings could gather together in Wyoming. Although mom never went to Ireland where her grandparents were born she loved all things Irish. Frank bought a CD of Roma Downey’s entitled, Healing Angel, which we played at the service. One song,
Irish Blessing, was especially touching.
Irish Blessing
May the Blessing of Light be upon you; light on the outside, light on the inside With Gods sunlight shining on you.
May your heart glow with warmth like a turf fire that welcomes friends and strangers alike.
May the Light of the Lord shine from your eyes like a candle in the window, welcoming the weary traveler.
May the blessing of Gods soft rain be on you, falling gently on your head, refreshing your soul with the sweetness of little flowers newly blooming.
May the strength of the winds of heaven bless you carrying the rain to wash your spirit clean sparkling after in the sunlight. May the blessing of Gods earth be on you and as you walk the roads.
May you always have a kind word for those you meet. May you understand the strength and power of God in a thunderstorm and winter and the quiet beauty of creation, and the calm of a summer sunset
And may you come to realize that insignificant as you may seem in this great universe
You ARE an important part of Gods plan.
May he watch over you
And keep you safe from harm.
Songwriters: Phil Coulter
For non-commercial use only.
Data From: Musixmatch
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=Roma+Downey+Irish+Blessing+Video&FORM=VDMHRS
My mother,
Ruth Ann Sullivan Keller, 1922 - 2011 May she rest in peace surrounded by her loved ones, forever. I love you, Mom.
