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