My mother passed away last week; the conclusion of a long and fretful journey that raised many questions about life and its value. If I had a pound for everyone who’s since said it was a blessing in the end, I’d have a healthy donation to the causes she cared for. But the arc of this piece is not to dwell on mortality - rather it’s to remember the joy of living and how we might grasp it.
I was in the Alps the days before she died, walking in the high spring meadows she would have so loved. Indeed, it was her who first took me to the mountains and though no climber, she could have named every flower and tree that we passed. Despite years of making long motorway journeys to see her, I think she would have been glad I was in the hills, rather than at her bedside.
For is there any better place to reaffirm the circle of life than an alpine pasture?
Walking with my son, we saw marmots and lizards emerging from winter slumber, gentians poking through the rocks (oh, how I wish they could make a wreath of those), swallowtails dodging the spray from snowmelt waterfalls… Everywhere, and in different ways, the unbounded energy of the sun.
But most of all, there was joy throughout, even from the ultra-runners that passed us on the descents! As our two-day trek came full circle, they still had miles to go – and though I didn’t envy them their challenge I thought of their drive to push the limits of what’s possible. That’s what my mother would have wanted – for us to live to the full, to be connected to nature and to follow our paths wherever they might lead.
Holding that thought, now and in the future, is the most important legacy she has left me.
Take joy in the beauty of the earth
Hari OM
ReplyDeleteHear! Hear! Sorry to read of your loss, but commend you for honouring the passing with a grab at life. YAM xx
Condolences. Your eulogy on life and its joys must be the most fitting way to remember the life of a loved one, and I identify entirely with you having a broad view place like that in which to remember and pay homage.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place to reflect on life, and how quickly it passes. I have been in Alpine meadows, found Harebells and Gentians and cant imaging a better place.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post. My condolences on the loss of your mother.
ReplyDeleteShe gave you the love of the mountains...and you were doing just what she would have wanted you to do..passing that on to your son
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear of your loss, but you are celebrating what she passed on to you. Carry on living life to the full.
ReplyDeletePlease accept my condolences. Such a lovely place you were visiting.
ReplyDeleteThe alpine is a beautiful place and how lovely that your mother introduced you to the mountains. My condolences on your loss. May life's beauty accompany you as you live life to the full as she would have wished.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for your loss. It always hurts to lose your mum, no matter the circumstances. You were lucky to have a woman who introduced you to alpine meadows, trees, and flowers. The mountains breathe life back into our souls I think.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing such a moving and heartfelt reflection. I was deeply touched by your words, and by the quiet, profound grace with which you honour your mother’s life.
ReplyDeleteI’m so sorry to hear of her passing. Even when it comes at the close of a long and difficult journey, the loss of a mother leaves a void that nothing can quite fill. But your memory of walking in the alpine meadows—with gentians blooming, marmots stirring, and sunlight breaking through—was such a vivid and tender tribute. I could almost see her there with you, in spirit, among the wildflowers she would have named with ease.
Perhaps a reminder that even in sorrow, we can choose to embrace the joy of living. Your words speak not only of loss but of deep continuity—of nature, of love, and of purpose passed from one generation to the next.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences. You and your family are very much in my thoughts.
With warmest sympathy, ASD
What a lovely tribute to your mum. I'm sure from what you've written she was there with you in spirit. Hugs to yuo and Jane x
ReplyDeleteOh no! I thought I commented. I am sorry about your mom. Even if the end is expected, the finality of it comes as a shock.
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