You all know the last few months have been difficult for me with the sudden passing of my Mom. Yesterday would have been Mom and Dad's 69th wedding anniversary so needless to say they've been on my mind a lot. Of course I miss them both terribly but I'm also finding myself thinking about what they gave me. So very much of who and what I am came from their teaching and example.
We always had a cabin growing up where I was the one filling my pockets with rocks and feathers. One of my favorite memories is going on "rock walks" with my Dad. After I'd filled my pockets Dad would fill his. Dad was the one to show me bird nests what he called "wild canary" feathers. He made me a little wooden box with a screen front to catch frogs and bugs. Mom would sit for hours with me by the water's edge so I could catch crayfish and minnows. She never squealed when I brought home snakes or spiders.
Mom and Dad always respected my need for solitary time- I've always be comfortable to be alone. They encouraged me to buy my own house and travel. I didn't get married until I was 32 and they helped me be self-reliant and confident. 
Moving on to a new year and a new season of my life without my parents, I realize that I will carry them with me every step of the way. I am grateful for my past and excited about my future. I wish you all a healthy and peaceful New Year, with surprises and new birds around every bend in the road.
24 comments:
I thank your parents for giving us YOU, Lynne. I wish I had grown up as a country/nature girl - instead, I was raised in an urban city. You are blessed!
Don't think your parents aren't with you any longer. They're part of your heart and soul, still living strong.
Hugs and wishes for a wonderful new year,
Mary
I've always been much the same way in being content when I'm alone.-Having a cabin would have been great but we always took trips to places with a cabin in the woods. I hope the New Year brings you much peace and joy!
I hope 2008 brings you many more happy days and trips to Hasty Brook.
Your thoughts about your parents remind me of the old chestnut about the two things we should give our kids: roots and wings. Your parents certainly gave you both.
What a sweet post Lynne. I still have both my parents, but know the time will come when I have to embrace what is left of them within me just as you have. Sounds like they loved you so dearly. Best wishes to you and your beautiful family for a wonderful 2008 ahead.
It's amazing how much of our parents (well, my Dad) are with us when they're not physically with us anymore. I love reading about what your parents did for you while you were growing up. Happy New Year Lynne! I wish you a year full of new bewds!
Your parents are with you and might 2008 bring you an easier year! Happy New Year my friend and it has been great getting to know you!
Parents are so much a part of who we are. I still have my dad (at 91 years old) and you wouldn't know he is even close to that age. He still chops wood! I can't imagine the lonely feeling I'd get when he passes even though I have 4 siblings. It is something we all have to encounter some day. We carry on the legacy for our kids. I hope my kids feel about me the way I did about my mom. Good luck in the new year. We have so many good things ahead of us. You never know what wonderful things you'll discover this year. Last year I discovered the nature blogs, yours included, it has been such a joy to read.
Happy New Year! This is a good time of year to reflect on those we've lost -- this year or other years. It's hard but helps us to move forward and honor the past.
Happy New Year!
Isn't it wonderful that we have the memories to reflect upon when those we love are not with us.
My parents are both still living, but far away geographically. Yet, so often each day, I'm reminded of what they would say--as if they'll always be right beside me.
When you can so easily recall those special gifts they've given you--whether a bug box or feather keeper--the gift you'll always have is their appreciation of nature.
Dear Lynne,
You hold them in your heart and carry them with you that way, don't you think? And if your love for the outdoors was nurtured by them, then I think you can happily be reminded any time you find yourself at peace with nature.
Hugs to you-
Hi Lynne,
I'm so glad you have such wonderful memories of your mom and dad even though they're no longer with you. I'm glad their guidance helped make you into the wonderful and caring person you are today.
Hugs to you!
May- I grew up a city girl too, we were just lucky to always have a cabin for weekends.
Larry- Alone time is so important to me too.
Mojoman- I'm still hoping to make a day trip up to Hasty Brook this winter.
Jayne- I'm so proud of what my folks gave me.
Pam- It's fun to look at how we're like our parents. They taught me to love nature and yet my Mom thought birds were creepy! Go figure!
Mon@rch- You are right! I think we take along a bit of every person we meet.
Linda- I've really enjoyed geting to know you through your blog too.
Liza- Honor and cherish the past and carry it with us forward!
Nina- Memories are treasures!
Laura- I ALWAYS think of my folks when I'm at Hasty Brook. Unfortunately, neither of them got to see it, but they loved the pictures and were thrilled that I had found such a special place.
Ruthie- I'm hoping we take the best of our parents. Hugs to you!
Lynne, I think we are twins.
I crave my solitude. I demand it.
And like Mary, I thank your parents for loving each other and giving us YOU, glorious YOU.
As others have said your parents aren't gone a at all. There still with you in everything they ever taught you.
Dear Lynne,
I'm new to your Blog and I love the photos of Hasty Brook. I'm sorry for the loss of your parents but I'm glad you can find solace in nature. Your owl pictures are amazing. I have never seen a great gray owl. Perhaps someday I will make it to Minnesota to see one. I have a little burrowing owl who has taken up residence in the wash next to my house. I just discovered him today. May you have a good birding year.
Happy 2008 to you and your family, Lynne, This post was such a wonderful tribute to your parents. They certainly knew how to bring up a child and send them on their path. I am sure that they are so proud of what you have done with your life.
The best to you and your family!
Sandy
Lynne, what a beautiful post. Your parents must have been very special people. I'm so glad to have found your blog
Beth
Dear Lynne,
Your photos and words are beautiful.
I too cherish the memories I have of my parents. You are very respectful of nature and of the love your parents gave you. I love the way you honor.
Sherry
lovely photographs and a moving message you share. you are indeed rich in the memories you carry of love and mutual respect. the gifts you describe are invaluable. happy new year to you and may many blessings light the path you travel.
lovely photographs and a moving message you share. you are indeed rich in the memories you carry of love and mutual respect. the gifts you describe are invaluable. happy new year to you and may many blessings light the path you travel.
Dear Lynne,
I know how you miss your parents and I found your memories of those distant years so touching. They were very special people - like you.
Your pictures are lovely and tinged with wistfulness. Maybe I'm projecting my own longing for warmer, sunny days laced with birdsong. Surely they can't be too far away :0) Take care.
Lynne,
I can't believe how much we have in common - your childhood sounds like mine!
Sounds like you and I had the same kind of childhood. Of course, I still bring home rocks and leaves and twigs.
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