So how does someone whose brand is Always Good News, write about the most painful chapter in her life? I learned how today.
I read an article in the newspaper called "Talking to strangers can change your life", by Nadia Bokody of the Washington Post . She tells her own story of how opening up to strangers felt good. and cites studies that have found that talking to strangers can indeed boost your mood and further that others will rate you as more physically attractive. Well then! I made a point to share this with my journalism students next class.
Fast-forward a few hours: I met my sisters at the usual Starbucks and the usual table to discuss our dear Mom's estate paperwork. It's been just over four months. Since her passing the three of us pledged to stay close and get together as often as our busy schedules would allow. We talked about our weepy moments and how life has changed so painfully forever.
The next moment startles us out of our sorrow. With our eyes brimming with tears, an older gentleman approaches and says with a smile, "So this is the sisters table!"
We look at each other like deer in the headlights and say, "Yes I guess it is."
"You must have a wonderful mother.", he says. Stunned, we explain that we lost our Mom in December and yes she was a wonderful mother.
This kind stranger explains, "I watch people you know, and I can tell by your closeness that you loved her very much." About to let those tears go, he then says, "You're lucky because my mother-in-law is evil!" At that, we literally, burst out laughing.
"Really??"
"Oh yes, she has us all under her thumb", he explains as he gestures with a thumb grinding into the palm of his hand." "But I take her on" , he adds with a twinkle in his eye. "So you are very lucky to have had such a great Mother." We all nod in unquestioning agreement.
"Thank you for making us smile", I tell him. The gentleman returns to his table and joins his friend. We turn to each other in amazement.
In an unexpected moment in time, a stranger appears to us and lifts up our injured, aching spirits. We finish our paperwork and tea, with a renewed energy and sense of hope for the future knowing we will always carry our beloved mother close to our hearts forever and learn to smile at her memories again. We hug each other and plan to connect for the next get-together and as we leave the coffee shop, I catch that man's eye and say, "Until next time..." I hope we see him again but I will never reveal his identity to protect the innocent from the evil mother-in-law.
In memory of Audrey Jessie (Cooper) Smith
December 2017- It is with broken hearts that we announce that our beautiful Mom has left us to be with her angels, predeceased by our Dad, Robert Prahm Smith five years ago this month, leaving behind her cherished daughters and their husbands: Connie and Dave, Claudia and Randy, Barbara and Stewart, adoring grandchildren: Candice and Scott, Chase and Dubi, Calvin, Aiden, Jordan and Sierra and great-grandchildren Chloe and Mia who brought her so much joy. Mom's quiet courage, grace and joyful spirit will inspire us always.Thanks to the kind professional staff at Joseph Brant Hospital and to Dr. Jim Rogers and Susan Rogers for their wonderful care and support. Donations to Joseph Brant Hospital or the Burlington Humane Society would be appreciated in Audrey's memory.
MOM- December 15, 2017
When I was five years old, Mom told me she wouldn't be there to meet me after school one day but a neighbour would take me home. When the bell rang and I went outside, she wasn't there and I started crying. Even though she told me she wouldn't be there, my heart couldn't accept it. That's how I feel all these decades later.
Because she has always been there...after school, in the front row for all our speeches, plays, dances and recitals. Mom had after school snacks, picked us up for orthodontist appointments, went to the parent-teacher nights, drove us to work at the Red and White store where Claudia, my friend Terry and I used to work, picked us up, was there to hold my head when I drank beer for the first time at the Casa Carlo next door to the Red and White.
When we were growing up, between work and the military, our Dad was away a lot. So it was Mom and us every Friday night...in our pyjamas and with our pillows, cokes, mars bars and chips settling in for the double fright night feature on channel 7 Buffalo. It was Mom, the centre of our universe throughout our school years and careers. She'd stay up to make toast and tea if we worked a late night, our biggest supporter, cheerleader and fan. Always there during life's ups and downs, never lecturing, judging, demanding or complaining just showing us the way through her gracious approach to life and its adversities.
Mom was our princess-forever young and beautiful--we remember watching the getting ready ritual for the Princess Ball...her once-a-year ritual for the military gala at Hamilton's HMCS Star, hair, make-up, the tiara and ball gowns. (but then she'd long for the night to be over so she could just come home to us, for we were the centre of her universe too)
She loved pink and sparkles, and warm and soft sweaters. In fact, she had a running gag with Dave teasing her about her sweater collection that was rivaled only by her shoe collection. (more about love of shopping?)
She never looked her age and never acted her age either.
Mom was smart and a life-long learner. She earned a college certificate in her 50's and when she and our Dad got a computer it was Mom who embraced it; she wanted to keep up.
She was still checking email and Facebook on her ipad days before she left us.
Mom always looked for the good in everyone and the humour in everything. Mom was funny and she loved to laugh! She made up a voice and would pretend it was our dog Bonnie from Bobberlobberville talking, teasing us and we would reply to the dog! She would make up crazy songs and when our Dad would ramble on saying grace at Christmas a little too long, she would be the first one to start giggling and she'd get us all going. (biggest laugh about the FB photos she inadvertently posted)
She showed such courage and grace throughout her illness, always a smile and a thank you to all the wonderful caregivers at JBH. But that was no surprise because everyone who met Mom loved her. She was a beautiful, gentle, loving soul.
She had a joyful innocence about her...we'd sit at the cottage and I'd see her peering up...up at the sky, describing shapes of animals she'd see in the clouds...her eyes full of youthful wonder...some believe clouds are messages from angels that they are always with us.
Whenever I see those white fluffy clouds against a brilliant blue sky I will always think of you dear Mom, and know you are with us.