There comes a time when we depart life on this planet. My mother reached such a point after 93+ years of what she considered a great life. Before she went into a coma in her final days, she remarked that we “should not be sad at her passing-- she had her bags packed and was ready to go”.
She was a hard worker all her years, a product of growing up on hardscrabble farms during the depths of the Great Depression. I’ve heard her tell of working with her father at the tender age of ten. She pulled her end of a 6-foot, two handled cross-cut saw, making cross-ties, loading and hauling them to the railroad. She and her younger sister weeded 25 acres of cotton and 35 acres of corn when they were mere teen-agers, and that required hoeing it several times during spring and summer. Then, of course, there was the harvesting to be done, at which she always excelled.
At the age of 18, she met and soon married my father, and he was a better man for having her partnership. She was that type of person—those who knew her were sweetened by her gentle, straight-forward ways. It is hard to say how far-reaching her influence was, but it certainly went throughout her wide circle of relatives and acquaintences.
As another memorable note: Edith Corrine Letson Waldrip passed at 11:50 on the 11th day of the 1st month of 2011: 1/11/11.
I’ve written this short poem in honor and memory of our “Mimi”:
The flame burned bright—this Edith light.
It warmed us all with wondrous glow,
The living, with whom we’ve met,
Some, our kin, some we know,
And some--even unborn as yet.
Through deeds, and words she’d say,
Across our lives she left her mark.
Yes, we’re imbued with her truthful way,
To her guidance we ever hark!
The strength of this lady be always near,
As we continue our lives a while yet,
Our path—the truthful way—without fear--
Her principles—her way—well set.
Wonderful! Such a beautiful and powerful kind of tribute to your "Mimi"...
I'm sorry you must be hurting from the loss, though.
My mom is "Mimi" too! I am hoping not to lose her soon also.
Blessings,
Christine
My condolences go out to you for your loss and you have shared an excellent tribute to your "Mimi". It is evident that you keep nothing but the beauty of your memories of her just as you have given us a fraction of how great she was.
Yes a truly wonderful woman. So reminds me of my mother, now 86, who worked so hard to put her children through college and sent me a funny email yesterday and several times a week. That's why your daughters are so strong--good stock. I know she's resting in peace, Leland. Her light will carry you through the rest of your years.
My deepest sympathy on your great loss, my friend. I lost my own mother almost a year ago now, and life truly is not the same for me. May your Edith Light continue to guide you and your family.
Reviewed by Branch Isole (Reader)
Reviewed on January 21, 2011
A nice tribute, not only to a loved one, but to one of "the greatest generation" for they endured and persisted through a life of global struggles unknown by their prodigy.
Admiration, or better still, reverence, is what this very rare kind of women always fill my heart with, my dearest Leland. Some of them I had the privilege to meet in my lifetime or even share my life with, others I feel equally privileged for having shared or sharing my time on this planet with, even if I never met or am not likely to ever come to meet them in person. This awareness that fills me, also, with gratitude, was, once again, what shone, like a bright light, when I read this magnificent tribute, by a rightfully proud and loving son. A Path well walked, and luminous footprints left behind, to pave the Path ahead of you and all of her loved ones, indeed! A very warm (((((((((hug)))))))))))) with much love, my dearest friend.
Heartfelt sorry for the loss of your mother, but her light and warmth will continue to shine bright in your heart. Your mom is a woman to be forever proud, who accomplished so much with dignity and pride...
Leland, you do great honor to your magnificent mother.
-gene.
Reviewed by Susan Schmitt (Reader)
Reviewed on January 20, 2011
What a remarkable person your Mum was. My Mum was similar as well she grew up on what would now be called a farmette. We lost her too young at 46 yup the Big C got her. What a nice way to memorialize her. I enjoyed reading this and I'm not real big on poetry.
I extend to you my deepest sympathy, Leland; and I thank you for sharing this most meaningful and loving tribute to your mother. Love and peace to you,
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I'm sorry you must be hurting from the loss, though.
My mom is "Mimi" too! I am hoping not to lose her soon also.
Blessings,
Christine
Sorry for your loss of your Mom. Your tribute defines her well. Obviously a Great Lady was she. Requiescat in Pace!
Tom.
Ron
Be always safe,
Karen
-gene.
CJ
Regis