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Friday, October 9, 2015

A day to reflect.

Today was a day of reflection. My dear Aunt Francis was laid to rest beside her husband at their family plot. It poured rain off and on all morning and the air was damp. As I watched her family gather at the grave-site memories of my mother's death came rushing back. These two ladies were so close; more like friends than sisters. I know if they had not been related they still would have found each other sometime, somewhere in life. They were each other's 'rock' many times throughout life; the ups and the downs. They shared good times around the table, a tea-cup in hand, laughter filling the room. How I wish I could hear just one more of their stories of 'the good 'ol days'. I truly believe they are now together again; reunited. I can see them embracing and hear the excitement in their voices. So much to catch up on. :)

                               The Prayer of St. Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair,hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
and Where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled, as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved, as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

My Aunt Francis saw the statue of St. Francis early in the spring that I had placed at the old pump when we first moved to the property.

It pleased her, and from what her daughter tells me, she later enjoyed the photos of the flowers and the bird feeders that surrounded him as the summer progressed.
The statue has always meant a lot to me, a gift from my children, and now it has even more meaning as I recall in my mind this lovely, caring woman, who sat at the bench with me under the old maple tree, held my hand and said "I am so happy you are here now. Your grandmother and your mother are smiling down on you as you make this place your home."
And now I will feel one more smile from above, a comforting hand on my shoulder, as I putter around this much-loved piece of land. Thank you, Auntie Francis.

We love you and may you Rest in Peace.



hugs, Deb







16 comments:

  1. A death in the family always causes us to reflect.

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  2. Sweet memories. I'm sure she is delighted you are caring for the homestead. Hugs---

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  3. What a lovely post! I know it means a lot to you that she got to visit there after your move. Very sweet.

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  4. Memories are sometimes a beautiful healer.

    Wishing you a lovely weekend.

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  5. Thanks Deb. A lovely tribute and memory of my Gram. She truly loved "the farm". Thanks for making her smile while she under the old maple tree.

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  6. I'm sorry you lost her, Deb. You have such sweet memories, though, to help you through your grief. Sounds like a wonderful lady!
    Brenda

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  7. I find this time of year hard for me as it is when my mum passed suddenly 7 years ago and my dad 18 years ago next month but I know they are both together again and watching over our family . Lovely memories you will always have. They are missed but never forgotten ! Have a good weekend !

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  8. How sweet your memories are, cherish them, and now to live in the place where many wonderful memories were made is a gift...hugs, Mina

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  9. Dear Deb: The reason you are so loving, sweet and kind and especially to all animals is your Grandmother, Mother and Aunt who you just sad farewell to..It is a testament to a wonderful family..May she rest in God's loving arms and may you enjoy your life on the land of your family..God's blessings always....!

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  10. Oh, Deb, what a wonderful tribute to your sweet Aunt Frances. She has left a lovely legacy to follow and admire. Sending my heartfelt condolences to you and your family . Hugs and blessings xo Karen

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  11. Deb, what a beautiful tribute / memorial to your Aunt Frances (and your mom!). I'm so sorry for your loss but I'm sure there's an amazing reunion happening in Heaven right now. Your St. Francis garden sitting area. Thank you for your kind words on our loss of Mr. J today. I appreciate it. Oh, and the AUTUMN photo of your yellow cat and pumpkin on the white porch should be a card. It's beautiful!

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  12. Such a sweet post. I'm so glad your Aunt Frances got to visit and spend time with you there. Your pretty little garden at the old pump will mean even more to you now. Take care.

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  13. you have some very good memories, sounds like they were soul mates too, reflection, is what we all need sometimes. glad that she got to visit before she left our world.
    hope you have a relaxing weekend
    thanx for sharing

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  14. A lovely post. I've been feeling reflective this morning too; Saturdays do that to me for some reason.

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  15. Very lovely memories you have there. I am so sure that the two loving sisters are now having a lovely natter and catching up.

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  16. What a good, love-filled life she must have had.

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