I too teared up at the end of this beautiful story. Thank you for sharing and I see you wrote an entire book about losing your beloved mother. What a wonderful way to honor her legacy.
Thank you. Your mom was authentic and as you reference "comfortable in her own skin" with a dose of humility that endeared her to everyone. I suspect her revelation of dealing with depression was prompted by her knowing you so well and loving you while at the same time respecting you enough to not corner you. She loved you so much and was so extraordinary a human being and parent to have given you the gift of her weaknesses and struggles. Isn't it amazing how much our parents know about us. We think we are a big secret, but they have known and loved us from the beginning -- from conception! They know us. Your mother was able to take this knowledge of you her precious child and be there for you. My observation for what it is worth. Your writing is beautiful by the way and the story is as well. Brought tears to my eyes. Take care.
Thanks for sharing. Anecdotely and coincidentally, i was fortunate to know and love Barbara Gormley--beloved mother of Brian , and wife of Edward. Barbara collected perfume bottles from around the globe. Her son Brian would scour obscure flea markets, sift and sort and squabble, and ultimately purchase bottles of international artisenol quality, and place them along the windowsills of the Pennsylvania farmhouse where she spent a large chunk of her amazing life. As Barbara weakened in her 80s, her brightest moment of the week would be hearing the squeaky back door, Brian returning from the flea market with fresh glass blown treasures. Thank you for stirring up these memories of a special woman of humble class, style and TCM beauty!
I love tributes to parents. I am proud of you for taking that year to be with her. Noble. Kind. Unforgettable for you. What an opportunity.... and I love that your mom decided where she wished to live out her last days.... thanks for sharing.
this touched me so. When cleaning out my Mom's after she died we found a small bottle of Channel #5 perfume (I mean tiny). She never wore that scent that my brother sister and I could recall, so we figured it was a gift from her former companion and if so confirmed for me that he never really knew her. I know his wife (deceased) wore that perfume. I still have that tiny bottle unopened so that when my niece cleans out my apt after I die she can wonder ...
What a lovely story. I'm so sorry for your loss, but I love what you gained. It reminded me of the small bottle of Shalimar I've kept of my mom's. Thank you for sharing this ♥
I too teared up at the end of this beautiful story. Thank you for sharing and I see you wrote an entire book about losing your beloved mother. What a wonderful way to honor her legacy.
Thank you. Your mom was authentic and as you reference "comfortable in her own skin" with a dose of humility that endeared her to everyone. I suspect her revelation of dealing with depression was prompted by her knowing you so well and loving you while at the same time respecting you enough to not corner you. She loved you so much and was so extraordinary a human being and parent to have given you the gift of her weaknesses and struggles. Isn't it amazing how much our parents know about us. We think we are a big secret, but they have known and loved us from the beginning -- from conception! They know us. Your mother was able to take this knowledge of you her precious child and be there for you. My observation for what it is worth. Your writing is beautiful by the way and the story is as well. Brought tears to my eyes. Take care.
Thank you for sharing and @thekeepthings for publishing these tender pieces of human remembrance.
Thanks for sharing. Anecdotely and coincidentally, i was fortunate to know and love Barbara Gormley--beloved mother of Brian , and wife of Edward. Barbara collected perfume bottles from around the globe. Her son Brian would scour obscure flea markets, sift and sort and squabble, and ultimately purchase bottles of international artisenol quality, and place them along the windowsills of the Pennsylvania farmhouse where she spent a large chunk of her amazing life. As Barbara weakened in her 80s, her brightest moment of the week would be hearing the squeaky back door, Brian returning from the flea market with fresh glass blown treasures. Thank you for stirring up these memories of a special woman of humble class, style and TCM beauty!
I love what you wrote, husbola! 🥰❤️
This story and sentiment are pure gold!
Thanks for writing this beautiful piece about your mom. ❤️🙏
I love tributes to parents. I am proud of you for taking that year to be with her. Noble. Kind. Unforgettable for you. What an opportunity.... and I love that your mom decided where she wished to live out her last days.... thanks for sharing.
Beautiful story and great writing-thank you for sharing.
I loved this-so many turns, and how you came back to the perfume at the end. I love that you wear it now. Scent is such a profound conduit to memory.
A beautiful love story
this touched me so. When cleaning out my Mom's after she died we found a small bottle of Channel #5 perfume (I mean tiny). She never wore that scent that my brother sister and I could recall, so we figured it was a gift from her former companion and if so confirmed for me that he never really knew her. I know his wife (deceased) wore that perfume. I still have that tiny bottle unopened so that when my niece cleans out my apt after I die she can wonder ...
What a lovely story. I'm so sorry for your loss, but I love what you gained. It reminded me of the small bottle of Shalimar I've kept of my mom's. Thank you for sharing this ♥