Harmonia Blog

 Tweet

After spending the best part of 5 months in the UK with my dear Mum the time came to say goodbye. When I arrived in early April I had no idea how long I would be staying and as the weeks turned into months I was non the wiser.  All I knew that it wasn't time to go. The only thing to do was to enjoy being where I was and not worry about the future. A real test of trusting that I was where I was meant to be and that I would 'know' when it was time to move on.

The time with Mum was very special.  I listened to her stories about her life.  Listening to the wisdom of a woman who has spent 89 years in this world. The changes she has witnessed are numerous and spread across the decades from when she was born in the 1920's to the present day. A life time of experiences that have shaped her life. Stories about a wife, a widow, a mother, a sister, a daughter, a friend. Her quick and alert mind is full of information, facts and figures which she has built up over nearly 90 years. Her memory is amazing and she is the 'go to person' when family members need to know something. The wonderful thing is that she is still learning and is open to new ideas and concepts. 

Living with Mum made me grateful for the everyday things. Being able to drive a car, for my hearing, for my sight, for being able to come and go as I please. Grateful for being able to go to the grocery store on my own, cook my own meals, move my body, walk on the beach and in the woods. Thankful for everything that it is easy to take for granted until you live with someone who is either no longer able to do these everyday things or needs extra help to do them.

Grateful for the wonderful people who support Mum so that she can still live in her own home. Grateful for the love that they bestow on her, the food they cook for her, the help they provide, for her hairdresser who comes each week, the health care providers who look after her.  Grateful to my two brothers and their wives who care for and look after her. Grateful to her friends and neighbours who talk on the phone with her and generally make sure she is OK.

Grateful that I have such a loving wise mum. Grateful that she is my Mum. Grateful that I am her daughter.

Grateful for the words she spoke as we said our farewells - "we will part in JOY and the time we have had together was a privilege."
Grateful to my husband and two sons who have held the space at home for me. For their love and support.

Grateful that I will be back home with them soon.

Grateful that I have been able to visit friends in Dubai on my way home ............. but that is another story!

 Until next time and with much Aroha

Tessa