https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaMkj4_H8WM
My mother would have been 77 years old today. Her birthday coincides with Earth Day this year, which seems fitting. She derived her greatest joys, it seemed, from nature-related activities: camping alongside a mountain stream; watching a sunset at the beach; and singing about sweet violets and moonbeams, carried home in a jar. I suspect this was also her private torment, given that we spent so much time on the road–endless days and countless miles, blurring past, rarely knowing for sure where we’d eventually land.
She’d stare out the window, wrapped up in her private thoughts as the moon traded places with the sun and the landscape morphed from rocky terrain to desert wasteland. And then suddenly, with a single word, she’d fix our attention on something she’d seen beyond the narrow ribbon of asphalt. “Look!” she’d say, and I’d follow her pointing finger to a lizard, sunbathing on a rock. “Over there!” she’d exclaim, and we’d wish together on a shooting star.
My mom (1960, Kansas City, MO)
“For the Beauty of the Earth…” It was my mother who first taught me this song, who also showed me Mother Nature’s bounty. And it was through her eyes (and Nana’s example) that I came to fully appreciate the wondrous beauty of the earth, sea and sky.
Happy BEarthday to your mother, and to the great Mother! How special that your mother shared her wonder with you and now you share that with us. Thank you, sweet Melodye for your big heart and keen eye. <3
I love the way you’ve written “BEarthday,” Lorraine. Simple, but profound.
My mother lost her wide-eyed innocence to circumstances, at a very early age. but she maintained her appreciation for nature for the whole of her life. I’m glad she shared that gift with me. It was my refuge: still is. I know you understand that…you, with your Beautiful Heart.
I remember traveling with mom to Spokane to visit Jason in school. She pointed out mountain goats and other animals along the way. She loved growing roses and loved animals. Her favorite program when we were young was Wild Kingdom and later Meerkats.
I am grateful to God our father and the creator for all of nature. These verses from Psalms 19 probably sum up our mom’s thoughts of nature:
1The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they reveal knowledge.
3They have no speech, they use no words;
no sound is heard from them.
4Yet their voices goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.
5It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
6It rises at one end of the heavens
and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is deprived of its warmth.
That’s a lovely memory, Sheryll! Thanks for sharing it here. YES, I remember staying up to watch “Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom.” It was of the very few TV shows allowed in our home. In retrospect, I think she chose wisely.
Beautiful Psalm. That David could write. 🙂
I love thinking of little you, learning to sing “For the Beauty of the Earth. ” Thank you for the many ways you continue to frame nature’s wonders in words and photographs, and for sharing your poignant childhood memories with us here.
Happy Earth Day, Melodye. xo
I think that’s John Rutter’s score. Beautiful, isn’t it? And oh, the accompanying images! The version we learned in Sunday School was less sweeping and grandiose–simple words and melody, but I’ve carried its message in my heart, from childhood to now.
Thank you for reading and responding, dear Amy. This was a difficult passage to write, but I wanted to honor her yesterday, and to savor again these memories.
Enjoyed this glimpse about your mother. You are a wonderful writer, Melodye. You are bringing her to life for me and in the process I’m getting to know you better too. Thank you!
I’m grateful for your having taken the time to read my blog, Carol; even more so, for the gift of carrying forward this conversation. I know already that we’ll find lots to talk about, now and over time. Such a wonderful thing, to have you as a friend and traveling companion on this road we call Life. xo
What a lovely tribute…to our Earth Mother…and to yours. Mercy! That picture of KC, MO brings back memories, and a love of nature and the garden is a precious gift to give and one you have embraced in such magical, and wonderful ways.
I know your mother must be so happy for the way you remember her in your garden.
I remember KC for the bracing cold, and for having been left with near strangers while my parents ventured into Parts Unknown, only to return –sans explanation–a long time later. But YES, a garden is my joy and my refuge, same as with my mother. I draw comfort from those happiest of memories, and am grateful for the gift of being drawn into Mother Nature’s bosom by my mother.
What a beautiful tribute. I love the pictures.
Aren’t they gorgeous? It took some serious love and talent to put that video together.
So glad you shared your beautiful mother. I loved her.
Did you actually know her, Linda, or did you connect with her through a mutual love of Nature? (Thanks for stopping by to read and comment. I like to think she’d be happy to know that we had a party in her honor.)
Your mother was beautiful.
Yes, she was. Many times in Baltimore, people said she resembled Jackie O. It might’ve been the shape of her forehead and her chestnut brown hair. It might’ve been the pillbox hat with netting that she wore to church…
Happy belated Earth Day and Mother’s Birthday! She did look like Jackie O.