Sunday, May 14, 2023

One Last Mother's Day Gift

 I mentioned that my mother passed away this past December.
However, all things weren't quite laid to rest then.

But let's start at the beginning.
I had a brother I never knew except from my mother's mentions of him.  His name was Keith. 
He was my parents' first child, born in the summer of 1949.
Things were very difficult in many ways back then and especially so for my parents.
When Keith was 7 months old, he died from pneumonia.


My mother carried the pain of that loss for all her years.
She, like many of that era, believed illnesses like pneumonia and colds were caused by getting cold and she frequently said that Keith would perhaps not have gotten sick had she had a proper blanket for him.

It was a statement we heard so often growing up that, one Mother's Day, my sister gifted my mother a baby blanket she crocheted for Keith.
My mother kept and treasured that blanket and, somehow, it found its way back to my sister when my mom went into assisted care and, when my mother passed, into her casket, along with a photo of Keith.

My mom had always said she wished that Keith would be buried with her when she died, but at least some of us were a bit surprised to learn that she also reduced that wish to writing and made it a formal part of her funeral arrangements.


It was bitter cold here in December when my mom died.  While the cemetery said they would be able to tent and warm the ground to inter my mother, they were hesitant about using that process to disinter Keith since he was buried in a simple wood box and they were concerned about damaging what remains there would be.
So, rather than interring my mother then and later disinterring her and Keith when the ground thawed, a difficult decision was made to have my mother's body held over at the funeral home until spring.

While spring was slow in its coming this year, it did eventually come....


...and, on Friday, Keith's remains were tucked into the blanket in my mother's casket and the two were finally laid to rest together next to my father.

 
One final Mother's Day gift, Mom.

Love you most.
The end. I win.

25 comments:

Saundra said...

What a tearful yet poignant celebration to one mother on Mother's Day. That must have been a difficult post for you to make but what a wonderful gift you gave your mother.
Happy Mother's Day to you too!!

PatT said...

You and your sister are special daughters to have comforted your mother with such a sentimental gift and to have honored her last wishes. I think she won having such thoughtful daughters.

Maureen said...

Thank you for sharing your touching story. So much love

Julia said...

What a loving tribute to your mother and how painful all this must have been for you and your sister. I hope that you both can find comfort as you honored her last wish. Such a bittersweet Mother's Day.
To have carried this pain for so long must have been unbearable at times for your mom.

May she rest in peace with all the mothers in heaven.

Hugs, Julia.
❤️


Anonymous said...

Thank you for the beautiful story that you shared on Mother's Day. I feel sad that she had to live thinking she could have prevented his sickness. She didn't cause it or could have prevented it. A mother's love is forever. She is with her sweet boy and your dad. She also is lucky to have two loving daughters who made sure she had her hearts wish carried through. Well done! Your bro was precious. Jen

Mary @ Neat and Tidy said...

So sorry he passed at so early; that is so difficult.

jabblog said...

Lovely tory - my condolences to you and your sister.

Shrimpton and Perfect said...

Oh my dear you have been through so much, your sister too no doubt. That is such an amazing thing to do for your mother, to bury her with her little chap. Many years ago I lost a baby daughter who was buried in a peach coloured blanket I had made for her. It sounds silly but it does make you feel they are comforted and wrapped in love. Keith is in his mothers arms again.

yaya said...

I'm so sorry for your loss and also for the pain your Mother carried all those years. However, you and your sister did a wonderful final gift for your Mom by adhering to her wishes. I believe that your Mom and Keith are together again in a sweet reunion. Happy Mother's Day Robin and I'm sending you a big blog hug! The picture on your header is absolutely beautiful.

oldgreymareprimitives said...

dear friend, i know...

NMK said...

What a beautiful post ....you were lucky to be able to re-unite your Mother with Keith ....a very special Mother's Day

Prims By The Water said...

My thoughts are with you and your family. I know how difficult it must have been for you to write this post. When my aunt passed un the Winter, she was placed in the mausoleum until the ground unthawed. I know your mom is smiling down on you for re-uniting her with your brother and her son. I also lost a brother myself as a baby. Happy belted Mother's Day to you Robin. Janice

Heritage Hall said...

It took a great deal of love, sensitivity and courage to have fulfilled your Mother's wishes...what a beautiful Mothers'Day gift you and your sister have given her. May your days be blessed with consolation and a sense of triumph for having honored her so.

Rugs and Pugs said...

No words...just tears. God bless you for fulfilling your mom's wish.
xoxo

acorn hollow said...

I am so very sorry for this has been a long journey for you and your sister. What a loving thing to do to respect her wishes. I too want to believe there was a grand reunion.and she finally found peace.
Sending heatfelt my thoughts.
Cathy

marly said...

The final and most precious gift from daughter to mother.

kcmrugs@gmail.com said...

What anguish she must have carried so many many years. And all of you as well. A good and most appropriate ending. Well done.

Dicky Bird said...

Oh my gosh Robin, I'm crying! What a story! You gave your mom the best mother's day wish. She loved and hugged you all in life and I can image her doing that for Keith now in eternity. You are a good daughter!

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Prayers as they rest in glorious peace and love
My heart goes out to you and your family

WoolenSails said...

What a beautiful story and that they can finally be together again. We bought the two plots next to our daughter so when our time comes, we will be laid on each side of her. It is hard with deaths in the winter, we had to do that with BIll's dad and wait till it warmed up. I am sure this Mother's Day was harder for you, it is hard when we have ones we have lost and cannot celebrate with, but they are with us in spirit.

Debbie

Primitive Stars said...

Such a heartfelt post Robin, tears fall as I read it..You and your sister are truly beautiful caring souls for giving your beloved mother her wishes… May they rest in peace now, Big Hugs Francine.

Donna said...

Omggg...how beautiful...
hugs
Donna

Mrs. D said...

Dear Robin. Your story is comforting to others. Hearing about your little brother and mother. Thank you for sharing it so tenderly. Reminds me of my favorite poem, "The First Snowfall" by James Russell Lowell. Please take a moment to find it and read it. And, if you cannot find it, please email me and I will send it to you. Best wishes, and comfort to you.

Wendy @ Ravenwood Whimzies said...

What a heartbreaking story..it brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing, and I am glad your Mom's wishes were able to be honored. Sending hugs

addictivesunayna said...

Love this unique Mother's Day gift idea! 💐 Adding a personalized touch always makes it special. How about including a handwritten note expressing gratitude? Adds a warm touch! 🌟
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