September Sad Song

The leaves of September begin their journey into the flaming reds, the pumpkin oranges and the amber hues of sunny days gone. This September the transition hurts like never before, symbolizing the beginning of the end of a season that began with excitement, hope and no certain knowledge of the end of my mother’s life. I have an urge to run up to those leaves and yell “Halt!” Perhaps if they do not change and do not fall away, dry and crackling, the supple textures will linger for just a few more months and I will not have to face the permanency of the loss. Perhaps I can pretend that I can run back to my Black Hills and she will be there as always, with her arms open and her gentle wit as sharp as ever, ready for a new day.

Another Glamorous one of mom

Mothers and Daughters together forevever

Now this one is just the All-American girl. Mom is still beautiful, even in her illness. Her aqua-blue eyes shine. Today was a rough one, with bouts of nausea and weakness. We did get the hospital bed and this is so exciting because it has increased her comfort level immenseley.

I have to leave tomorrow and begin the journey to our new life. I am really excited to bring our branch of the family back to the same area where both my mother and father were born and raised, and to where so many relatives remain. It is so odd as many of these photos were taken just miles away from where we will be living. The irony is that I was thinking mom would join us for Holidays and get to visit her old stomping grounds.

The other irony is that I really feel as if I am home in these Black Hills. I will always be a Black Hills girl and I feel this land is instilled in my blood. This final night of this trip is quite poignant. As I gently lift mom into bed and see her bruised and ravaged body, I pray that I will be able to return in time to see her once more and to tuck her in many more nights as she did for me when I was small, and had a pixie hair cut (see above).

Sue, you are the best sister in the entire world and I am so honored to go experience this most bitter-sweet time with you. Love you forever Suzy-Q!

Finally, I especially want to thank everyone who has been calling, giving us support, words of encouragement and the like. Neil it is so comforting to know you will be here next week.

 This is one of the most precious memories we will have and our entire family will treasure this forever. What a gift.

Mom and Dad on their wedding day

I love this photo and I love this story. Sue said that she used to see this photo (top) in the photo album and she thought our parents were the couple on the LIFE magazine cover! The photo just above is after Dad came back from WWII (flying over Burma). They are at a Buffalo Night club. Note that mom is wearing his "wings"