"I've been letting my mind wonder at night. My thoughts should have a curfew." Am Kidd

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Loving traces



Several years ago I read a book titled "Paths of Desire" by Dominique Browning. The book is not only about Ms. Browning's gardening troubles, but also on her experiences on family, lost love, and renewal. Her observations are witty, deep, and quite humorous. Having children of my own made me really understand what she meant when she wrote: "Teenagers can break your heart. Only by accident will you find out what they know-and it turns you inside out."

Both my children are no longer in their teens and while we are still very close, they are often busy inmersed in their wonderful young world. Chasing his dreams, my son has moved abroad and will not be here for the holidays. I am sure that all mothers who read this post will understand what this means to me. I have been trying to stay cheerful, but even as I was putting up the tree I was also fighting back the tears. Then this morning, just when I thought he did not care, at least not the same way I do :) I found the most beautiful e-mail.

My son will not be here for the holidays, but the traces of his loving words have filled my heart.


Note- Photo by Weheartit.com

10 comments:

  1. I'm almost certain, that the love and positivity we give out in life, we get back. Well, I'd like to think so anyway.

    How lovely for you to have received an email from your son soon after dressing the tree.

    Christmas is a strange time of year. Often tinged with sadness and happiness both at the same time. Yet, it is what's in our heart that matters.

    PS. See, I told you I'd always have time for your blog :)

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  2. Quillfeather, it's true how during this time of the year we can register so many different emotions all at once, I suppose that IS the magic of Christmas. Thank you for finding time to visit me, my place would not be the same without your beautiful and thoughtful comments xx

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  3. how true..... when living in Michigan i missed my son, but thank goodness for email and the telephone, sometimes when we talked it was as though he was next door. He comes to my house quite often now i'm back home in England, and we go out together. this year i will be thinking of friends spread around the world and feel blessed that i have them in my life and those special Friends i have met on the internet.... love them all. xxx

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  4. So true, teenagers & even older! My two girls are in their twenties & my heart strings still get tugged. How lovely that you got such a precious e-mail from your boy, it just goes to show that you taught him well. I shall be thinking of you at christmas, i thought my eldest wasn't going to be here this year and my heart felt so heavy . sending hugs x

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  5. Love knows no distance, Alina, so I hope you take comfort in feeling the presence of your loved ones right through the holidays and beyond. They are always there. Much love and light to you. xx

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  6. Alina,I know exactly what it feels like when older children move out into the world to live their own lives.. it is very hard to accept for a long time.. my daughter who lives on the opposite coast of Canada is coming home this year.. it has been 3 years since I saw her.. I wish we lived in a smaller country....

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  7. You're right Olive, having friends (in "person" or on the internet) is always a great reason to cheer up no matter what! xx

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  8. Ruthie, you look too young to have children in their 20's :0) Thank you for your beautiful post. I so appreciate it! xxx

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  9. Carol Anne, thank you. I will try and remember your beautiful words. xxx

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  10. Gwen, three years is a long time! Hope you enjoy each and every minute of her visit. Have a wonderful Christmas.

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Albert Schweitzer said "In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit" I thank you all!