As I was puttering around the house the other day, I was reminded of my Mother. I actually realized for the first time that I’m constantly reminded of her. It made me think of a song I wrote for her when she passed away in 1998. At that time, I thought about her life – about the talks we’d never have and the times I wish I’d been a better kid. I wondered in that moment if I’d forget her, if I’d be able to keep her memory from fading.
Today, as I cook ‘by guess and by golly’, as I garden by trial and error and as I tackle difficult tasks on my own instead of asking for someone’s help (because “what would you do if I wasn’t here?”), I realize she’s everywhere. It dawned on me that it was the things I did in my everyday life that preserved her memory and kept her close. She truly is in every part of me, and gone really is just a word.
Gone Is Just a Word
Mother the words that you gave me
as a child in need so long ago
all of those words are still with me
though some of mine you’ll never know
And Mother your love was never ending
your laughter I never will forget
I know that your life was never easy
I know now inside just what you meant
And I know you’ll be in every part of me
and I know that gone is just a word
And if I could ask would you forgive me
for words that I spoke with anger’s touch
how can I explain the ache inside me
remembering a day you had so much
And I know you’ll be in every part of me
and I know that gone is just a word
Phyllis Evelyn Good 1935-1998
Photo Credits
Photos courtesy of Carol Good – all rights reserved
Recent Carol Good Articles:
- Through a Grown Child's Eyes
- If Not Now, When?
- I Want to Fall in Love Again
- Keep the Line Moving
- What I'm Trying to Say
Such a beautiful comment, Joy…thank you! So nice to see your name here…yes, you’re definitely a part of our past, still remember your smile! Glad you have memories of Mom, she really was a dear and her kids meant the world to her. Thank you for the offer to visit, I will definitely tag along with Laura if she ever plans to do that, would love to see you and meet your family. You take care too…big hugs and lots of love to you xo
That is so beautiful Carol, just like you and your sisters!! Since I was 9 years old I have known your family and love each of you, my very best friend in the world being your sister, Laura whom I have had as a friend the longest in my life. That picture looks just like you! Your Mom was a dear, she loved you kids more than she probably knew and yes I think she didn’t ever have it easy but is so proud of you all….take care, big hugs and when Laura comes to visit you are very welcome to come with her…..love you xoxox
I am so glad to have discovered ‘Life as a Human’ – as much as we are all moving towards a more spiritual and conscious way to live our lives and find our true purpose and the joy that brings to our lives, we are human, and stories like yours are a treasure to read. I appreciate the genuine human emotion and thoughts you share.
I enjoy all the stories! I read Gil’s Orange Sandwiches yesterday, that put a smile on my face.
Thank you,
Donna
Thank you for your kind words Donna, and I agree…we are indeed all human and I think that’s why we find ourselves relating to others when we read the shared stories (Gil’s Orange Sandwich story as an example!). Glad you’re enjoying the site, I’m also a huge fan!
Hi Donna,
We are glad you found us too!
I am happy to hear that Orange Sandwiches made you smile 🙂
Carol has another great post coming soon 😉
Cheers,
Gil