Who knows who will read this letter … but to each of you I hope you will take your time to learn more, to understand … life offers so much – this earth and its occupants are so extraordinary … so much goodness here …
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| Keep your letters - there'll be words of wisdom in there ... and memories ... |
… be aware each of us has something to offer – learn others' cultures, garner that knowledge and use it wisely …
In recent times as the 21st century opens up, and as my life is on the wane … I have no wish to go, but have taken to contemplating my life … I am now making up for lost time, as best I can …
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| From Daphne's post |
To keep me going when my mother became ill, as I needed to spend her last years with her – I started this blog 'Positive Letters Inspirational Stories' and am somewhat amazed at what resides there!
I'm not a diarist, never have been, yet I've thoroughly enjoyed this process – recording and learning – and today as I write this, find myself back in 2009 … rather shocked, happily surprised to be reading my own words, as too those of others …
You never know who will read your words – even you yourself … the post is longer – but perhaps these are the salient points … that resonated with me as I read my own words …
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| Mum and us on Lake Windermere +/- late 1950s |
Darling Mum – I am honoured to have been able to share so much with you over the last two years .. and to have been able to laugh with you, smile with you .. and watch your belly ratchet up and down laughing uproariously .. bringing others into our room to see what’s going on!
You’ve been an inspiration to me .. in that you’ve never complained, never worried, never whinged or moaned .. we’ve laughed our way through your adversity, our trials and tribulations ..we seem to have settled into a wonderful existence and have two minds that have met enjoying each other's company, while also appreciating the snippets of information or things that amuse us.
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I don’t know where your brain is .. but it never ceases to amaze me at what you can remember .. you may be muddled occasionally .. but it doesn’t matter you’re just so pragmatic about everything and ready to join in the fray – you are most definitely extra special .. and I love you.
My original post is here … 'Giving My Mother Something to Live for' …
Daphne's 'Positive Letter to Hilary' is here – sadly she no longer blogs …
Thank you – these are important too … I do write 'thank you letters' – keeping me 'honest' to this craft …
Tag line: You Never Know Who Will Read Your Words or the Benefit they impart ...
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
45 comments:
Hari OM
...I guess that it is another way of viewing blogging - as a letter to all who follow! Nicely done. YAM xx
Letters of life, of laughter, and of love - perfect!
No better reason to start blogging, Hilary.
Hello Hillary
It is so much fond memories that I read this post, I get overwhelmed. I have been trying to write again as I used to but whenever I tried to write, my husband needs me to do something or the other and I get discouraged. My husband is having a lot of memory issues and we do have to get him to find out. Brain scan and neurologist trips have beeen har as he does not want to walk. Hopefully we will find out what is the best for hima nd I may start writing again.
Please take care of yourself.
"Salute"humble Munir
This hits a bit too hard home for me. I have been contemplating mortality a lot recently due to some recent events and just... Strong words.
Thank you.
And yes, the blogosphere is a bit like letters to the unknown...
And I have found it to be a warm and wonderful place. I laugh with other bloggers. I learn from them. I weep with and for them...
And I am so grateful to have found your 'letters'.
Lovely to read your inspirational blog Hilary. Not just this one - keep it up. All best, susan
So bloody good, made me think of the letter I read out to mum at her funeral.
What a lovely post, Hils, and a beautiful memorium to your mom. Thanks for sharing yourself with us.
Your whole blog fits into the theme of this challenge. And your tribute to your mom brought tears to me eyes. Great post!
What a lovely and inspiring theme :)
Truly beautiful, Hilary. And I loved the picture of your mom with her adorable family. What a wonderful day to have tucked inside your memories.
I have enjoyed your blog, thanks for sharing your thoughts your letters.
I have learned so much from the bloggers I follow, Hilary. I've received support. I've been made to laugh, and I've been challenged to think. It's all good.
I love this post. Nice take on the prompt. Cool how you compared blogging to writing letters and sharing yourself with people you’ve never met. Your letter to your mother made me tear up. I remember when your mom was in the nursing center and I’m thankful you shared her through emails and pics. I’m glad I was a small part in making her last days happy. Thanks for being my Grandblogmom. :) Love and big hugs.
I always enjoy your offbeat takes on the prompts! What a beautiful memory of your mum to have and to hold onto. Thank you for this post, Hilary. And for all the others you share.
Reading old blogs is one way to take you back to where you were when you wrote the post.
Hi Hilary! Perfect response to the prompt. A lovely peek at some letters which must stir memories. Also, it is sad when a 'blogger friend' leave the blogging world.
@ Yam – the name came from letters I wrote out to friends, who mentioned how positive they always were about my Mum's illness. I've learnt so much from blogging friends and by being able to write about subjects I knew nothing about – expanding my own world …
@ Jemi – thank you … great way to describe what I was trying to get across ...life, laughter and of love …
@ Jacqui – I never thought I'd be here … still blogging all these years further along life's path …
@ Munir – how lovely to see you again – I feel for you … I do hope you can get some peaceful settlement for your husband, and thus for you – so you can start writing again …
@ HR – it's been a difficult time hasn't it – take care, go slowly with peace in your heart … thank you for visiting – and I hope my words here helped you …
@ EC – yes … lots to find out about in the blogosphere … and I so agree – great friends to be found … in what can be a warm, supportive and wonderful place … you're so right …
@ Susan – thank you … I don't seem to be going anywhere – but most definitely appreciate your support …
@ Jo-Anne – I'm happy you appreciated this …
@ Olga – thank you so much – I certainly feel the blog started off with my mother involved (and she was) … yet of course it's been my university of learning … personal development, as well as educational ...
@ Sandra – I was surprised I'd written this all those years ago … but it's here for me to read, and others should they wish … thank you.
@ Damyanti – I wasn't sure what to write … this just appeared – but I'm glad I found it all again – helpful for me!
@ Lee – the blog has certainly helped me being on my own in my later years … and given me thoughts to learn from and continue with finding subjects that are interesting for me, and others … keeping me and others positive …
@ Truedessa - thanks for coming by again – I must be over to see you again … I'm so delighted you enjoy the blog …
@ Dan – yes – it's interesting how much we do learn from a broad range of world-wide bloggers. Your thoughts about the support, being made to laugh, while being challenged to think – is as you say 'it is all good' … I so agree with you …
@ Lenny – you were a big part of life with my Mama when she was in hospital – I remember laughing with her as I talked to her about you … and the presents you so kindly sent over …
She was always amazed at how we connected … and how much we learnt from each other … such laughter and happiness for my Ma.
I'm delighted we met and continue on sharing with each other … and I'm very happy to be your GrandBlogMom … thank you for your wonderful comment.
@ Nila – thank you … I'm not a follower of fashion, that's for sure – but I enjoy sharing a different take on life … I really appreciate your comment.
@ Liz – yes … life has continued and expanded through our blogging years …
@ Denise – the post wasn't going to be like this – but when I found my early post from thirteen years ago – it seemed perfect for this prompt … thank you …
Thanks so much to you all – these prompts certainly make me think … and learn … and develop my world - appreciate you all - Hilary
Hi, Hilary. I have to agree that the blogging community is one thing, which makes blogging worthwhile. I always enjoy reading your posts, but it is impossible to read every post and comment, when it means signing in to another site. I first found your blog through the A to Z Challenge, which I have continued to take part in. Unwrapping
In you own inimitable way, Hilary, you have given us all reason to ponder that elusive meaning of life, to which of course there is no satisfactory answer. It is different for all of us, and changes with time and circumstance. One thing I think we can all agree on, is that we enjoy blogging and have formed firm friendships through the medium of the internet. I have met several blogging friends and have experienced the very pleasant confirmation that impressions of people formed on line invariably prove true face to face. Blogging friends are as real and as important as flesh and blood. Hugs - David
This is a difficult topic. When mum got to 90 I understood perfectly well that she could not live on for ever. But I wanted her last year/years to be as pleasurable as humanly possible. eg since her passions had been music and literature, I went with her to a concert every sunday afternoon, then shared afternoon tea with the musicians and the audience. Her short term memory for groceries was fading, but her long term memory for literature and classical music was very impressive. And she read every novel I brought her.
But does a daughter ever really get over the loss of her beloved mother? Djd you, Hilary? I still feel like discussing issues with my mum now, even 6.5 years after her passing.
This is why we blog! The letter to your Mum was both amusing and moving, thank you for sharing it with us.
@ Susan - good to see you again ... and when you can get here it'll be good to see you. I don't post that often as you'll see ... it's not every day like the A-Z. I just have an account with another host for ease of commenting ...
@ David - thank you ... our own end of life is different for each of us, not even as our parents ... so I agree with you.
It has been an eye-opening experience entering the blogging world ... building our own voice and friends within the blogosphere - I agree it's been wonderful to share, laugh with ... and learn from ....
@ Hels - it is a difficult topic ... my early years were good, yet my parents didn't have an easy relationship and I found it difficult to talk to them about 'life' - that's why Mum and I settled into a happy existence for those last 5 years of her life ... we didn't discuss life as such - but the trust was there: that her daughter would be looking after her - as she'd looked after us as we grew up.
I'd have loved to talk to them both as an adult - with the perspective I have now ... I did manage it a bit with my father's brother-in-law in his last years. But that's the regret I have ... yet being pragmatic I can work it out ... and live on! So to answer your question re our mothers ... it's something I wish I'd done more of ...
@ Keith - I know ... it's definitely why I keep going ... I'm happy to know you enjoyed my letter to my Ma - all those years ago ... that period April 2009 - really gave me confidence to keep going with the blog and find my voice.
Thanks to you all - it's been fun reading your comments and thoughts - cheers Hilary
Hi Hilary. This is such a beautiful reason to blog. I went and read the original too and I loved that conversation with your mother.
-Sonia
Thanks for sharing these memories of your mum with us, Hilary! And what a great reason to start a blog. There is such a feeling of community in the Blogosphere.
I read the old post - thanks for linking back to it. It’s from a time before I was part of the blogging community so it’s interesting to get some backstory (one which I can empathise with, of course, having recently been through the same thing).
@ Sonia - thank you for enjoying the post and appreciation the fun Mum and I had, despite her situation ... we were lucky that her last few years were peaceful and happy ...
@ Debbie - things just seemed to slot into place for me, as I started blogging - I've been really fortunate ... and as you say - there is a feeling of community in the blogging world ...
@ Anabel - thanks so much for taking the time to go back and read the original posts ... I'd forgotten about it - I was looking for something else - but then it seemed to fit this prompt. I know you've recently lost your mother and so understand how sad this early period of loss can be ... we do adjust, but we always miss them ...
Thank you so much ... we never know who will read our words in our blogs, or hear our ideas as we live on ... it's been great to read everyone's comments and thoughts - cheers Hilary
I have been blogging pretty much since 2008, and never until I read your post here I've ever considered blogging as a form of writing letters. Wow. When I was a girl, I used to hand-write letters. This really has got me to re-think blogging. :)
Such a wonderful reason to start blogging, and a wonderful letter as well. We may never know all who read our words, but it is a great thing to know that they are out there, available to the world.
Your blog is definitely diary oriented.
Hope you enjoy your weekend to the max. Thanks for taking the time to checkout my other post. Appreciate it:)
Cheers,
This was beautiful, sharing your love for you mum here Hilary. A beautiful tribute <3
@ Carrie Ann - well I'm delighted to have given you a new idea about blogging ... I'm a generalist, but since I started posting I've just developed my own education to grow ... the title of the blog came about from friends telling me how positive I was with my Ma and the letters I wrote out - to let them know how she was doing, and how we were coping. Thankfully I came across this blogging community - it's been a great learning curve ...
@ Laura - thank you ... I needed something to keep me inspired - while this 2009 post really helped at a difficult time. Now I can keep learning - which my Ma loved when I spoke to her about it ...
@ Sandra - I have to say I hadn't thought of the blog as diary-oriented ... especially when I write spasmodically. I'm happy to have been across to read your book-tour post ...
@ Debbie - thank you Debbie - you've had a tough time recently with your husband and I often think of you ...
So pleased to see each of you - have peaceful weekends - cheers Hilary
Hi Hilary!
Your entire blog is a tribute to the beauty of the letter!
I know that I've said this before... I just hope that you get the opportunity to publish some of your posts (the A to Z Challenge posts) as a book - whether in physical form, or as an e-book or audiobook.
I can see your book in hard copy.
Take care!
Our moms are so important to us. Mine was a cheer leader and encouraged me often. I miss her. And am so glad you had those years with your mom. Well done.
Nancy
Thank you for sharing these positive memories of your mother. When my aunt developed Lewy body dementia, it seemed to come on very suddenly, but she must have been hiding the symptoms until she couldn't anymore. She was always laughing, so I am glad she was in a place of good memories.
My father was not so fortunate. He had vascular dementia following a major hemorrhagic stroke and a series of smaller strokes. He became a very large, frightened child at the end of his life.
We never know what we're going to get in the end. I have a lot of chronic health problems. I just hope when my time runs out the end is peaceful.
So beautiful, Hilary.
Each of your posts is clearly from the heart, it's why we all keep coming back for more. Heart is what this world needs more of, it's what we all need more of. THANK YOU!
Love. Love --pure and giving. Love for life and love for our loved ones. The theme and the feel of your post has infused me with love. Thank you Hilary. I read Daphne's letter too and am just so thankful that I've come across this abundance of love (despite the obvious struggles) in your letters.
@ Michelle - you're so kind ... thank you ... and yes - I've been thinking about getting the A-Zs into some format ... life just undercuts me at times. I've noted!!
@ Nancy - yes ... the last 5+ years with my Ma were special ... we were on the same wave length and not trying each to do our own thing ... so life was easier with her ...
@ Charlotte - thank you ... we never know what's coming later in life and I was blessed and lucky that my Ma's brain hadn't gone, even if her body had been stroked ... I wish you well with your health problems ...
@ Yolanda - many thanks - I'm just delighted 'everyone' seems to enjoy my posts and is happy to be here - I'm very lucky to have found that I can write and am able to impart my enjoyment in drafting them. I really appreciate your comment ...
@ Arti - lovely to meet you - I'll be over tomorrow. You're very kind with your words ... and I'm delighted with your thoughts and comments ... so thoughtful.
Honestly - thank you so much to you all ... I'm thrilled that you all could relate to my thoughts here - all the best Hilary
I like that this is a letter to your audience as well as one to your mother. Perhaps you might guest write a post for the A to Z Challenge sometimes about what the blogging community means to you, how it is worthwhile? Contact me if you'd want to do that.
I wrote a humorous piece for the June WEP prompt (it isn't adult, though some may mistake it as such at first, depending on your hobbies).
And I'm contemplating my favorite book worlds for the IWSG July prompt (I'm co-hosting). Any thoughts?
Over at Operation Awesome, we're gearing up for our Pass or Pages query contest with July's family saga genre. Know any writers who might want to enter?
I hope people stumble onto my posts one day and walk away with more knowledge than when they came. Perhaps some entertainment too.
Fun use of the prompt.
@ JL - thank you ... I've explained my reasons for abandoning the A-Z challenge. Also I'm just glad most people just comment on the blog-post and appear interested in the content written.
@ Jamie - all the best with your quest ...
Thank you to the two of you - Hilary
I'm so happy we've known each other through blogging in all this time <3
So amazing to look back at when and why you started blogging. I have been coming to your blog for years and always feel like I have been sitting with you chatting. Your first blog post was lovely. What a nice letter to and for your mother. Loved it! Glad you have stuck around the blogosphere. ;)
~Jess
@ Deniz - it does seem extraordinary how friends develop through blogging and I'm delighted to be around too ... amazing!!
@ Jess - thank you so much ... I too feel a great affinity for many commenters and am very happy to be still here after all these years ... and am staggered to remember how long we've all known each other.
I so appreciate your comments here - thank you ... cheers Hilary
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