Lot 125- Grave #11
September 23, 2008
The days couldn’t be any more different.
Today is an early fall crisp day, full of sun and skies with no clouds in sight. It’s the kind of day that could mark any birth, beginning or just a kick start to a fresh era.
The cool autumn air weaves in and out of the strategically spaced and planted low rising white birch trees. Some feel that to stand here is to be aligned between heaven and earth. The landscape is groomed, orderly and unblemished not only for the inhabitants, but more for the loved ones who come here either frequently or myself, who never come here at all.
Dr. Lubin is standing by my side. Her gentle hand is on my shoulder. I am not alone. Dr. Lubin has reined in the stray pieces to the puzzle of my life and together we have rebuilt the scenes. It's a challenging puzzle. Most of the pieces were missing.
But Dr. Lubin is a master and gifted healer who believes in delving straight into your soul and discovers with you, the buried treasures that have been hidden. They surface and we celebrate together. This journey could not exist without her.
The last time I was here, 20 years ago, was a cold, bitter day in December. The wind whipped it’s fury through the sparse trees, taking with it the last vestiges of the already deadened leaves. The trees as I remember, were so much smaller then.
I tried on that day not to think of you. I tried to find any distraction that would tear my mind from the thoughts of you. We had caused each other so much pain. I don’t think we knew then even why.
So many differences between now and then, so many conflicts, and so many unanswered questions.
I was angry then. I am sad now.
I had questions then. I have answers now.
It’s sad you could not have been part of the dialog of working things out.
That I had to do on my own, like everything else.
You lived angry and died sadly. I disappointed you even in death, while trying to make you happy in life. Our lives were a study in extreme contrasts, from the moment of my conception, to the instant of your death.
I believe, in my Polly Anna world, that I wanted to be born. You, in your brutal honesty, never wanted to give birth to me. You have always made that clear.
What is done is done.
I am not here to accuse, blame or denigrate you.
I am here to thank you. From your mistakes and flaws, I learned how to steer clear of making the same ones.
I don’t know if you would like me any better today. I tend to think not.
Everything you stood for, I was against, and vice versa. I am sure you saw me in later years as cruel and unloving, the same I had seen in you when I was a child. At what point did we merge and become each other?
Strangely enough I Iearned more from you than anyone else. I took whatever you didn’t give me and looked in other places for it and most of the time found it.
From your closed heart, I searched for others with open hearts and learned to open mine.
From your unhappiness I searched how to fill my life with joy and passion.
From your dishonesty and untruths, I learned how to be true and honest.
From your narrow focus on life, I learned now to broaden my vision.
From your black and white world, I learned that there are so many gray areas to be accounted for.
From your silence and disapproval I learned how to speak with kindness.
From your lack of nuturing and love, I am finally learning how to take care of myself and love myself.
We were sent to each other for many reasons. Our journeys so different, our lives so very different. I am still on my journey.
Your journey’s answers remain with you.
I blame you for nothing. You told me in later years you didn’t think I loved you. I told you I did and still do.
How I wish I had heard those words from you.
I am sorry it has taken me 20 years to place this marker on your grave. But nothing would have made you happy.
This marker represents my last endeavor for your love.
Please accept it.
I truly hope you can rest in peace.
I know that now I can let you rest in peace and I can live in peace.
Maybe this is the first and last time we agree on anything.
As I turn to leave, I place a large plant of purple mums on her grave marker.
Next to the mums, I place the photo of my dad.
I want it to feel like a family, my family. And for a fleeting moment it does.
The days couldn’t be any more different.
Today is an early fall crisp day, full of sun and skies with no clouds in sight. It’s the kind of day that could mark any birth, beginning or just a kick start to a fresh era.
The cool autumn air weaves in and out of the strategically spaced and planted low rising white birch trees. Some feel that to stand here is to be aligned between heaven and earth. The landscape is groomed, orderly and unblemished not only for the inhabitants, but more for the loved ones who come here either frequently or myself, who never come here at all.
Dr. Lubin is standing by my side. Her gentle hand is on my shoulder. I am not alone. Dr. Lubin has reined in the stray pieces to the puzzle of my life and together we have rebuilt the scenes. It's a challenging puzzle. Most of the pieces were missing.
But Dr. Lubin is a master and gifted healer who believes in delving straight into your soul and discovers with you, the buried treasures that have been hidden. They surface and we celebrate together. This journey could not exist without her.
The last time I was here, 20 years ago, was a cold, bitter day in December. The wind whipped it’s fury through the sparse trees, taking with it the last vestiges of the already deadened leaves. The trees as I remember, were so much smaller then.
I tried on that day not to think of you. I tried to find any distraction that would tear my mind from the thoughts of you. We had caused each other so much pain. I don’t think we knew then even why.
So many differences between now and then, so many conflicts, and so many unanswered questions.
I was angry then. I am sad now.
I had questions then. I have answers now.
It’s sad you could not have been part of the dialog of working things out.
That I had to do on my own, like everything else.
You lived angry and died sadly. I disappointed you even in death, while trying to make you happy in life. Our lives were a study in extreme contrasts, from the moment of my conception, to the instant of your death.
I believe, in my Polly Anna world, that I wanted to be born. You, in your brutal honesty, never wanted to give birth to me. You have always made that clear.
What is done is done.
I am not here to accuse, blame or denigrate you.
I am here to thank you. From your mistakes and flaws, I learned how to steer clear of making the same ones.
I don’t know if you would like me any better today. I tend to think not.
Everything you stood for, I was against, and vice versa. I am sure you saw me in later years as cruel and unloving, the same I had seen in you when I was a child. At what point did we merge and become each other?
Strangely enough I Iearned more from you than anyone else. I took whatever you didn’t give me and looked in other places for it and most of the time found it.
From your closed heart, I searched for others with open hearts and learned to open mine.
From your unhappiness I searched how to fill my life with joy and passion.
From your dishonesty and untruths, I learned how to be true and honest.
From your narrow focus on life, I learned now to broaden my vision.
From your black and white world, I learned that there are so many gray areas to be accounted for.
From your silence and disapproval I learned how to speak with kindness.
From your lack of nuturing and love, I am finally learning how to take care of myself and love myself.
We were sent to each other for many reasons. Our journeys so different, our lives so very different. I am still on my journey.
Your journey’s answers remain with you.
I blame you for nothing. You told me in later years you didn’t think I loved you. I told you I did and still do.
How I wish I had heard those words from you.
I am sorry it has taken me 20 years to place this marker on your grave. But nothing would have made you happy.
This marker represents my last endeavor for your love.
Please accept it.
I truly hope you can rest in peace.
I know that now I can let you rest in peace and I can live in peace.
Maybe this is the first and last time we agree on anything.
As I turn to leave, I place a large plant of purple mums on her grave marker.
Next to the mums, I place the photo of my dad.
I want it to feel like a family, my family. And for a fleeting moment it does.
posted by Suzy at 7:32 PM
21 Comments:
suzy - you are so beautiful
So glad you posted this - love the parts you've added, they are amazing. This, THIS, is healed behavior.
again. It is this capacity for forgiveness and evolution you have that amazes me.
I wonder at the conversation you had with her later in life. How you talked around the years of abuse. i wonder if you ever asked her what the hell she thought she was doing?
Yet. You forgive. And you give. And you write, and you love. incredible.
It seems that sometimes a visit to the cemetery, instead of being the last resting place and a place beyond which there is nothing more... can be a place of rebirth... a place where a new vision begins... new understanding... new enlightenment... a new stage of the journey...
Yin and yang. Not a complete circle without either of them.
You amaze me, Suze. I am absolutely floored by this. Your soul is shining through so strongly here. I am so happy for you.
You are incredible. Your beautiful writing touches my heart, as does your strength.
Oh beautiful Suzy! You are so very amazing. And powerful. And loving.
My heart is full for you.
Love,
Michelle
WOW
Two amazing pieces of writing...... Your story is heart wrenching yet utterly compelling.
The journey you take us all on makes me hold my breathe with trepidation yet I have to follow for I feel I would let you down if I faltered.....
But now we have acceptance and understanding and that journey feels like it is reaching its end......
Love you lovely lady
MMoF xxx
Sometimes we don't know which days are going to be big in our lives, and of course sometimes we do.
That was a big day. Congratulations.
Hi Suzy
I'm here from Australia, via Frogdancer. I'm signing up too, instantly.
Brave, beautiful stuff. The work of a lifetime, I'm so proud of you.
Many share your journey hon. It takes time and courage to sort it out and make a peaceful journey for ourselves, with forgiveness and acknowledgement of the hurts done to us. And through that we make decisions to live the opposite way. So yes, they are our teachers as well as our abusers.
My warmest wishes to you, for peace, love and light. Its never too late to have a happy life.
Hi Suzy, sorry not been blogging for a while so had loads to catch up on and WOW you are certainly well on your way. Dr Lubin is definately doing her job right.
Much love xx
We will always learn from others mistakes. We don't want to repeat what others did wrong. You are an inspiration.
CJ xx
You are a wonder, dear Suzy. I believe the the pure soul who is your mother's real spirit is immensely proud of you right now. I know that, as your friend, I'm honored to know you and inspired by your courage and grace. I love you.
Maybe it was in contrast to your mother, but whatever caused it, you HAVE learned so much. So very much.
Your open heart, your loving soul, your ability to see shades of gray have led you to this place.
Your incredible capacity for forgiveness and love have saved your life, Suze. Yes, you've had great help, wise counsel. But you've done the work.
I am so very, very proud of you. Proud to call you friend.
Blessings on you. Blessings on your mother's soul.
Profoundly moving piece, Suzy. It has the feeling of an elegy to me, and a statement that you've moved on.
Great, great piece.
I'm not one to quote Jesus....but I believe you have embodied "Forgive them, for they know not what they do" in the way you have lived.
So moving Suzy, thank you.
I hope when I am at the end of my journey, I am able to be as strong and as beautiful and as loving as you are.
Astonishingly beauiful writing yet again.
"Strangely enough I Learned more from you than anyone else. I took whatever you didn’t give me and looked in other places for it and most of the time found it."
This is so amazing Suz! An incredible journey and thank you for sharing.
Love Nance
As usual, this is superb Susie. Thought I would've missed loads of posts during my blogging absence, but glad to find this.
I often think that part of who I am has been a response to some of the problems I had with my mother.
Beautiful.
Post a Comment
<< Home