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    Headstall
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The content presented here is for informational or educational purposes only. These are just the authors' personal opinions and knowledge.
Names, places, characters, events, and incidents are based on the authors' lives and experiences and may be changed to protect personal information. Any resemblances to actual persons (living or dead), organizations, companies, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.
Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you. 

Headstall's Reflections - 66. Chapter 66 Happy Birthday, Mom

My mother is always on my mind as February approaches. Here is a collection of tanka poems to honor her memory.

*

 

Happy Birthday, Mom

 

 

My mother’s birthday

Is only a memory

Held by her children

Yet I believe young angels

Seek guidance from her wisdom

 

 

 

How often I speak

When no mortal is present

But my words have aim

And your answers do arrive

Though you are no longer here

 

 

 

You gave me your looks

Commented on by many

But better than that

You taught me about values

And the secret to your strength

 

 

 

Another child is coming

That will not feel your embrace

But no matter Mom

For it will feel you through me

And I will tell your story

 

 

 

You lived your life well

Despite odds stacked against you

With beauty and brains

You conquered brutality

And left injustice behind

 

 

 

In February

I will light candles for you

In celebration

There will be no fireworks

Simply time with old photos

 

 

 

Many years have passed

Since your bright light flickered out

But you never left

And when I need you the most

I feel you within my heart

 

 

 

Flawed?—Maybe that’s true

But you followed your heart’s want

So where is the blame?

Certainly not from this son

Who has always seen your truth

 

 

*

Whether our moms are here or long gone, we can not overlook what they do for their children. I learned so much from mine, and I will miss her for my lifetime and beyond. Thanks for reading. :) 
Copyright © 2017 Headstall; All Rights Reserved.
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The content presented here is for informational or educational purposes only. These are just the authors' personal opinions and knowledge.
Names, places, characters, events, and incidents are based on the authors' lives and experiences and may be changed to protect personal information. Any resemblances to actual persons (living or dead), organizations, companies, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.
Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you. 

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I'm not even going to try, my dear.  You've captured what my mom meant to me just as yours meant to you.  I lost mine five days after my 49th birthday, which she'd planned to spend with me and bake a cake.  We did spend it together, but in her hospital room.  She went in the day before, and I was there until the end, with her remaining sisters, children, nieces and nephews.

That final day in 2007 was the last we were together except her funeral buried in a plot where her husband--my stepfather--would join her two years ago.

An infinity of hugs, kisses and love to you, and to our moms who have gone before us, but are not forgotten.

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2 hours ago, ColumbusGuy said:

I'm not even going to try, my dear.  You've captured what my mom meant to me just as yours meant to you.  I lost mine five days after my 49th birthday, which she'd planned to spend with me and bake a cake.  We did spend it together, but in her hospital room.  She went in the day before, and I was there until the end, with her remaining sisters, children, nieces and nephews.

That final day in 2007 was the last we were together except her funeral buried in a plot where her husband--my stepfather--would join her two years ago.

An infinity of hugs, kisses and love to you, and to our moms who have gone before us, but are not forgotten.

Thanks, CG. Hugs and kisses back, buddy. :hug: 

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Although more than twenty years have passed since Mom died, I still feel her presence......My autistic granddaughter insists on sleeping with the Nette bear when she visits; Jeanette was her name, Nette to her siblings, Mom and Nanny to her children and grandchildren......Some might wonder how her great granddaughter (who was born years after her death) would know her childhood nickname.................I smile each time I hear that little voice asking for her Nette...........Beautiful poem Gary....you have touched my soul yet again..............Mike

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1 hour ago, flamingo136 said:

Although more than twenty years have passed since Mom died, I still feel her presence......My autistic granddaughter insists on sleeping with the Nette bear when she visits; Jeanette was her name, Nette to her siblings, Mom and Nanny to her children and grandchildren......Some might wonder how her great granddaughter (who was born years after her death) would know her childhood nickname.................I smile each time I hear that little voice asking for her Nette...........Beautiful poem Gary....you have touched my soul yet again..............Mike

This was so sweet and rewarding to read, Mike. Thank you. I am going to make sure my grandkids know their grandmother... I will tell them all about her, and how strong and fragile and beautiful and intelligent she was. I am so thankful my oldest grandson remembers her. :hug: 

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55 minutes ago, Dmrman said:

What a true blessing... Mothers!!! and to reflect our hearts with the Miracles they always produced in our lives, their endurance, and perseverance... I lost mine in 2011 shortly after my accident and loss of eyesight... but even then she still inspired me to never give up, and today you have reminded me how in every way she was always there for us and never stopped no matter what Loving us... I did recognize all she sacrificed for us growing up and knew No matter what I could never repay her, or even begin to and to Mom It never Mattered...!!!! thanks, Gary...:heart:

My mother was super human at times... fierce as a tiger for her kids, and it is what I will always remember. I wouldn't change her for any other mother, and I'm sure most every child feels the same. Thanks, Bobber. :hug: 

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That was truly a lovely and  fitting tribute to your Mom.  I'm one of the TRULY BLESSED!! My Mom and Dad are both still with me (87 & 94) so I'm still getting the wisdom and parenting. 😊  And my grand-daughter is benefiting from knowing her great-grandparents very well.  They live 25 minutes from me and and my grand daughter spends the day with them on days that school is out.  The battle of wills between my mom and my grand -d are hilarious and just as epic as the ones between her and my daughters.  All of them are strong willed and then there's the peace keeper, me! 🤣

 

So cherish your memories, G. and make sure you pass on ALL the stories, especially the ones from your childhood.  And I believe that your Mom has spoken to each of your grands before they come to grace you with their presence.

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1 hour ago, LadyDe said:

That was truly a lovely and  fitting tribute to your Mom.  I'm one of the TRULY BLESSED!! My Mom and Dad are both still with me (87 & 94) so I'm still getting the wisdom and parenting. 😊  And my grand-daughter is benefiting from knowing her great-grandparents very well.  They live 25 minutes from me and and my grand daughter spends the day with them on days that school is out.  The battle of wills between my mom and my grand -d are hilarious and just as epic as the ones between her and my daughters.  All of them are strong willed and then there's the peace keeper, me! 🤣

 

So cherish your memories, G. and make sure you pass on ALL the stories, especially the ones from your childhood.  And I believe that your Mom has spoken to each of your grands before they come to grace you with their presence.

You are indeed blessed, milady. I was too, though. We could easily have ended up in foster care if not for my mother. Your story makes me smile. I get great enjoyment from gently teasing my oldest grandson. He gets me. :)  My own kids cherished their grandmother, and still speak of her often... each time, it warms my heart.

 

And yes I will tell her story, although some will be glossed over, but I'll make sure my grandkids know they come from great strength. Your final words give me comfort... I expect she has looked over them... that is her way. :heart: 

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Happy Birthday to your Mom.  🎉🎁🎂🎈

Your Mom was a survivor, that alone speaks to her strength;  Her beauty and truth are reflected in her son and I thank her for what she has gifted to you in both nature and nurture.

Am I to surmise from reading this another grandchild is on the way?  If so, congratulations.

I know you’ve had your own journey of struggle, yet I just know your children sing your praises the way you sing your Mom’s;  Yet another way her legacy lives on in you.  :hug:🍻

 

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5 minutes ago, FanLit said:

Happy Birthday to your Mom.  🎉🎁🎂🎈

Your Mom was a survivor, that alone speaks to her strength;  Her beauty and truth are reflected in her son and I thank her for what she has gifted to you in both nature and nurture.

Am I to surmise from reading this another grandchild is on the way?  If so, congratulations.

I know you’ve had your own journey of struggle, yet I just know your children sing your praises the way you sing your Mom’s;  Yet another way her legacy lives on in you.  :hug:🍻

 

Thanks, Fanlit! Yes, she was a survivor, and she lives on in my grandkids. And yes, another is on the way... I just found out this week it's a girl. :D  That gives me two of each. :) 

 

My kids like me, yeah. :heart:  I hope you are well, dear friend... cheers... Gary.... :hug: 

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