Happy Birthday 92

92 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

My beautiful mother, Noemia.

This photo was taken in 1966 at home. She is wearing a black dress with green embroidery that she sewed. She is also wearing her gold earrings with green turquoise. I have them now.

She was so proud of our home and garden in Tabora. She decided to leave that comfortable life for the sake of a good education and better future for her four children. My father went along with her plans, even though it meant a lot of uncertainty and a new country. We are grateful for the wonderful life you gave us. It was so courageous of you to leave everything behind and start again.

BLESSINGS REVEAL THEMSELVES.

So blessed to have had a wonderful, wonderful, mother with a very loving heart and much wisdom.😍

Wish you were still with us on earth.😢

twelve years on

Dearest Mum,

Still missing you very much. Thank you to you and Papa for being my loving parents.

your loving daughter,

A

91

Happy Birthday Mum

Noemia, my thread.

There’s a thread you follow. It goes among
things that change.  But it doesn’t change.
People wonder about what you are pursuing.
You have to explain about the thread.
But it is hard for others to see.
While you hold it you can’t get lost.
Tragedies happen; people get hurt
or die; and you suffer and get old.
Nothing you do can stop time’s unfolding.
You don’t ever let go of the thread.
 

- William E. Stafford

90th BIRTHDAY

                         LIFE IS THE FIRST GIFT

LOVE IS THE SECOND

           A RESILIENT SPIRIT

Thanks to my mother who taught me to hold my head high and to be my own hero.

She gave me life and she gave me love. Forever grateful for all I received from Noemia.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY #90

Tenth Anniversary 2017- Still very missed in this world and loved by so many

 Asters by Noemia Nazareth

My mother taught me to listen to my own wisdom,

to strive when needed,

to have fun.

to be contrarian, never a conformist,

to go another way, if that is what I wanted, no need to be over cautious.

To have a big heart that can welcome many friendships

My mother was authentic, always present in the moment.
Anyone could feel like the most important person in the world as they sat with her and she listened, really listened with all the time in the world.

My mother lives on in my heart and mind.
I still hear her advice in my daily life
a very powerful bond of love lives on.

🔺🔻🔺🔻🔺🔻🔺🔻🔺🔻🔺🔻🔺🔻🔺🔻

All Souls' Day -November 2017- We remember my parents, Noemia and Alirio

It was my mother's custom to remember her parents, Belmiro and Emerciana Fernandes, on All Souls' Day. She would tell me stories of her father, a very kind man. He was a medical doctor in the capital of Goa, Panjim, during the colonial Portuguese days. He was very respected by the Portuguese. And He was loved by the poor as he treated them without payment.

An extraordinary coincidence, my niece Julia, decided to visit the Calangute cemetery in Goa and pay respect to our ancestors without realizing it was All Souls' Day.

We remember our parents and grandparents. 

Birthday 89

Wish you were still with us to celebrate this birthday 🎂👑
10 years on and we miss you as much as ever ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Thank you for all the sweet memories and for all the love 💚💛💙💜💗💖💝                                          Happy Days From the Seventies

Nine Years On. Still missed as much as ever

Ninth Anniversary- November 2016

Here is a picture of my beautiful mother with my beautiful Aunty Laura. They are in Aunty Judy's gorgeous garden in Langley. Those were happy days. 

All these women (Noemia, Laura and Judy) are no longer with us on earth. They looked after me and loved me. I miss them.

Happy Birthday 88, September 30th, 2016

For Noemia, Beloved mother,

You have been gone for so long, yet I remember so vividly every September 30th was a day of great joy, a day of celebration for all your family and friends. 
We all knew how lucky we were to have you in our lives.

This year you would have been 88. Only 88, you should have been here.

You are in my heart always. I miss your presence and love on earth. I hold you close inside of me.

Happy Birthday in Heaven with Papa, family and friends.

November 6th, 2015. Eight years without my beloved Mother

In my heart I will forever treasure my mother's love and strength. The love she shared with her children made us the strong people we are today. Missing her in this world.

2015 september, 87th Birthday for Noemia, my beloved mother

She should have still been here with us, we miss her so much.

I read the poem below a couple of months ago and decided that I was going to become a good listener.

Now, as I was searching for something to share on my mother, I came by the poem and realized that the reason I was so touched by it, is that it is about my Mum. She was a deep listener. Listening to someone carefully is an act of love and generosity. I miss talking to her and feeling so loved and cared for. She lives in my heart.

Reflecting on Love and Death

Death will happen, we don't know when, however we should keep it in mind and live our lives with deep love and meaning.
Tomorrow, we may be gone or someone we loved very much may be gone without really feeling our love.
With my mother, we always shared and felt the love. I cannot remember a single year in my life when I did not show it, receive it and feel it. Lucky me.
Are you showing your love for your loved ones or are you too busy?

My Father: Alirio Felix Nazareth

Papa passed away on December 22nd, 2014. He was surrounded by his family, his children and grandchildren, in his last days. He had a good, long life and now he has joined Noemia.

A poem by Lily from 2008

Please Come Back, Alizi

I was alone in a place I had never seen before,

Around me everything was white,

But then I saw something in the distance,

It was a very dim light!

I stepped closer and closer towards it,

And then I suddenly knew,

Who this thing was walking towards me,

Of course, it’s Alizi - that’s who!

Her arms were open before me,

Great tears were filled in my eyes,

We both gave a big hug to each other,

And both let out a big sigh.

Where were you all this time Alizi?

We cry and miss you so!

Everyone wants you back Alizi,

They are waiting down below!

She kissed my cheek so softly,

“I will be in your hearts” she said.

Then it was dark and black,

And I was safely back in my bed.

When I saw Alizi that night-time,

She was just like she was before,

Lovely hair, lovely cheeks, lovely heart,

Please come back Alizi!

I hope you will walk through the door!

Written by Lily Almeida - Aged 13

January 2008

For her grandmother Avozinha who died on 6^th November 2007

seven years, we all still miss you

Remembering November 6th by Yvonne

It is so difficult for me to relive those last sad days with Mum at Trinity Hospice seven years ago.

Every firework that booms into the night these days reminds me of how they frightened her in her last slumber. Her bed was right beside the window that overlooks the common.

We were all there for Mum throughout those dark days. She told us she did not want to be alone.

But I have so much more to be happy about because I had this amazing woman as my mother.

She is still with me in spirit and I think of her often.

I see her in the faces of my family, so her presence still lingers.

And the dreams she once had for her children and grandchildren still shape our future.

I will always remember her with love.

xxx

Yve

From My Sister

 Remembering Mum on her birthday.

I will never ever forget how my Mum made me feel, that I was the most important person in the world.

I think she made many people feel the same. 

2014 September 30th  Birthday #86

The passion of love
   bursting into flame
is more powerful than death,
   stronger than the grave.
Love cannot be drowned
   by oceans or floods;
it cannot be bought
  no matter what is offered

- Song of songs

photo of Feynan by Thomas E Levy

It is 2014, coming up to seven years without my beloved mother. Missing her here on earth, she lives in my heart

"For Warmth" by Thich Nhat Hanh

I hold my face between my hands
no I am not crying

I hold my face between my hands
to keep my loneliness warm
two hands protecting
two hands nourishing
two hands to prevent

my soul from leaving me
in anger

Six Years Anniversary

Missing you as much as ever

Happy Birthday # 85

September 30, 2013

I can't believe that my Mum would only be 85 years old today. That is so young. She left us way too early. Today I was at an Art exhibit opening, with a live Hawaiin band. When they sang this song that I love, I imagined Mum looking down from over the rainbow. Miss her.

“Somewhere Over The Rainbow/What A Wonderful World” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

Somewhere over the rainbow

Way up high,
And the dreams that you dream of
Once in a lullaby (Ai)

(Oh) Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly
And the dreams that you dream of,
Dreams really do come true (ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh)

Someday I’ll wish upon a star

And wake up where the clouds are far 

behind me
Where troubles melt like lemon drops
High above the chimney top
That’s where you’ll find me

(Oh) Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly
And the dreams that you dare to
Oh why, oh why can’t I (hai hai, ai ai ai)

Her Daughters

Prayer on Fifth Anniversary of My Mother passing away.

My Prayer 

my garden

Our God and God of our ancestors, as I kindle this memorial light in memory of my mother, Noemia Nazareth, I acknowledge the divine gift of memory that allows her to be present with me on this the anniversary of her passing. 

May the 79 years of life which which Noemia was blessed inspire me to a greater integrity, generosity, kindness,  wisdom and love

May I honor her memory in my own daily life and may I be granted the wisdom to live in such a way that others would be inspired by me. 

May the  memory of my mother find a cherished place in my heart always. Amen

Happy Birthday #84

Happy Birthday Noemia.

She was so beautiful inside and outside. I will always celebrate September 30th. A lucky day for all who knew my mother.

Grief and Love

Grief is the price you pay for having loved

My mother's shoes

These are the shoes that she wore to my wedding. I have them now.

Four years on, November 6th, 2011

Fleeting Fall       AML 2011

It is 4 years since Noemia passed on to the next life. She is not physically present and yet I sense her presence. She is with me in spirit to guide me and always love me. I really miss her. I remember so many wonderful moments together. I am very grateful that I had such a wonderful mother. I think of her everyday.

In Memory - A Prayer

I am grateful for the gift of her life, and the good memories which enable me to recall the blessings of her life. May the love and kindness with which she touched my life help me to share these qualities with others. May God's compassion shelter her soul and sustain my life. May her virtues be reflected in my life. Amen

1966 TABORA, Villa Noemia.

My Beautiful Mother

She gave me a beautiful childhood

Birthday #83 on September 30th, 2011

Watercolor by Noemia

WISH YOU WERE HERE TO CELEBRATE YOUR BIRTHDAY WITH US

I miss you everyday. 4 years later, it is still hard without you. The day I miss you most in the year is your birthday. I am so glad that for so many years I came home to celebrate with you. It was a long way but a true journey of love. Your birthday was always so joyful, with a house full of family and friends, of love, laughter and food. Nobody was invited but all were drawn in to celebrate their special relationship with you on your special day.

GOA 1994 - Wonderful Memories

A rarity, Noemia agreeing to have her picture taken and smiling for it.

This was a very happy occasion. All her children, their spouses and grandchildren were in Calangute. We had a grand party for all our relatives. She always organized wonderful family gatherings.

I think of her everday

I wonder what she was thinking about? She looks very natural and so beautiful, as she always did.

Naomi Nazareth blooms in SOCAL for Royal wedding day april 29, 2011

she loved princess diana and would have been happy to see her boys so grown up

Three years on, still grieving

Noemia gave me and all her loved ones a warmth that flowed into our souls. It was a fulfilling, essential relationship.  When we lost this 3 years ago,  a light shut off in our hearts. 

Remembrance - Noemia 82nd birthday 9-30-2010

Naomi Nazareth Sweet Pea growing in California 2010

Sweet Summer Days

by Dennis Caraher

The summer sun is nearly done
Frost will follow soon
Asters and chrysanthemums
Light up the afternoon

The dew is on long after dawn
Mornings are a haze
One swallow's song is holding on
In these fading sweet summer days.

We flew across the ocean
Some fell into the sea
God will choose what we will lose
Though we may disagree

We come here to be mended
That we may find our way
We pray that there's redemption
In these fading sweet summer days

Summer months comfort us
The sun comes with sustenance
We live for its lingering light

Days slip away from us
Katydids and crickets hush
We drift into lengthening night.

We were once our children
Too soon they will be us
All they ask, a simple task:
"Remember how it was".

We hold them close, we let them go
We watch them fly away
And if we trust, they'll come to us
In these fading sweet summer days

Stars they are innumerable
We'll never know them all
But nature's not immutable
Every star will fall

And one day, I'll return to thee
And all that will remain
Is the beauty and the certainty
of these fading sweet summer days 

"Sweet Summer Days" by Dennis Caraher. © Dennis Caraher, 2010.

Second Anniversary - Nov 6th 2009

There are only two lasting bequests we can leave our offspring:

One is roots,

the other is wings.

Thank you Mum for these and all your everlasting gifts.

We all miss you so much.

x Yve

81st Birthday Tribute

UNTETHERED
Like a helium balloon floating in space
busy, then in a moment of quiet,
I don't where I am
My world has lost its gravity
There is no force drawing me back
Comfortable mother earth is faraway
Being grounded no longer possible
It has been two years but the longing is still as strong
If it was possible to pick up the phone and hear her say "Hallo Darling"
My feet might touch the ground