Visiting my mother is tough these days. She’s good, in the general sense of the word, healthy and happy. This weekend my sister and I drove to be with her, to be with my brother. Leaving on Sunday was hard. We stopped by the front desk at the memory care facility and chatted with the receptionist on duty, Tina.
“This is the hardest part, leaving,” I said.
Tina said, “At least you can see her face. I can’t see my mother anymore. She died a year ago in December.”
“December is a hard month to lose someone,” my sister said.
I noticed that Tina was wearing beaded bracelets. I asked her about them.
“This one says Peace,” she told me.
“Peace is the word I’ve chosen to guide my year, but I haven’t gotten a bracelet yet.”
Tina pulled the bracelet off her wrist and handed it to me. “No, I couldn’t,” was my first reaction and then I realized this was a gift of the heart. To honor her gift, I had to take it. Tears welled up. I gave her a hug and left knowing my mother is in the exact right place with people who care, who love her as she is–with Peace on my wrist and in my heart.
Reflections on the Teche 
Margaret, what a gift! I’m so glad you took that bracelet – – it warms your heart and brings joy to the giver. This is a lovely slice, and a powerful reminder about the connections that we have in our families and in our circles of care. You are blessed. And you bless us.
Peace on your wrist and peace in your heart… what wisdom to accept a heartfelt gift. And I anticipate the moment will come again and you will be the giver of peace to someone who needs it as you did in that moment of leaving.❤️
What a precious moment, Margaret. Yes, this would make my heart feel so good – to have this beautiful connection. Trust that your mother is in a great place, surrounded by caring people.
To be able to give someone peace…a gift for the giver and the receiver. This is such a special moment. Thank you for sharing it with us.
A lovely story…thanks for sharing.
A beautiful post and a beautiful moment.
Margaret, wow, such a wonderful gift. I love your OWL, too. Peace!
Oh, my. What a beautiful moment and a beautiful story. It brought tears to my eyes.
Tears to the eyes, warmth to the heart. My mom died just over 10 years ago. Sometimes, I get anxious that I can’t remember her face, and then it comes to me complete with bright red lipstick, and I hear her whisper, “Don’t worry, Jo. Just be good to yourself.” And so as a loving daughter, I obey.
She’s still with you in that voice in your head. I’m so sorry for your loss.
What a gift…and so good of you to receive it with such grace.
Wow! The ways that words call us, comfort us, challenge us, and help us deal with the harsh realities of life. Thinking of you as you navigate these difficult waters.
A beautiful heartwarming story filled with love. Thank you for sharing 🙂
Oh Margaret, this is beautiful. What a heartfelt experience for all of you. Thank you for sharing.