Tuesday 13 October 2009

The passage of time.......

Time passes quickly.........where did the years go. They are fragile....I want to protect them, wrap them in cotton wool.....keep them safe.
I wish I had a crystal ball........but perhaps I will not like what I see........ one day at a time, that is the best way.......

Mother looks amongst the foliage for fairy faces.....just like a small child......she has a childlike quality about her sometimes.........


I tell them my dreams, my hopes, my plans. They need to be involved.......



The seedheads are fragile, one touch and some tumble to the ground........new plants next year........life goes on........
The colours are beautiful.......the garden is hushed.......our footsteps are silent.......

My mother stops and takes my hand......'this is a special moment my child' and she walks on........I never fully understand my mother. She is complex...........
intelligent.....and changeable....up one moment and down the next. She always finds solace in my gardens......... that makes me happy.......

Dad is content........her happiness is always his main concern.......
The sun is going down, pretty works of art decorate the woodwork on my home.
There is a chill in the air......they will get cold, time to take them home........


21 comments:

Roses and Lilacs said...

My parents look more fragile every day. Frightening. One day at a time, as you say, is the only way to maintain sanity.
Marnie

Cheryl said...

Dear Marnie.....indeed, it is the only way. I have hospital visits with them both this week......

I am fortunate they live only five minutes from me.....I can make sure they are both okay......

ShySongbird said...

I enlarged the picture of your parents dear Cheryl, there is such evident fondness for one another...and yet much pathos in that photo. I have lost both of my parents, my dear father whom I adored was only 67 and I was just 30.

Your lovely photos say so much.

Q said...

Dear Cheryl,
You honor your parents with your love and devotion.
The sharing of your hopes and dreams, your home and your gardens is the wrapping of love. You are a kind and loving daughter.
Blessings to them and to you.
Your gardens are full of Autumn.
Your heart is full of care.
Seeing your parents brought tears to my eyes. I so miss my Mum and Dad. Thank you for sharing yours.
Sherry

Liz said...

Wonderful photos Cheryl, so peaceful. I could not imagine losing my parents, but hopefully I have a long way to go before I need to worry about such problems.

So far I have been lucky, I've never actually lost any of my immediate, close family... My granddad passed away before any of us were born... We never knew him...

Cheryl said...

Dear Jan....how sad, I am sure you miss your father very much.
I know that I am honoured to still have my parents but it feels me with sadness to see the changes.

There is much between them....it will be there 60th wedding anniversary next year.....
The photograph of them is not a clear one by choice.....they are private people......you will understand that I know.

Cheryl said...

Dear Sherry....Thank you. I cannot imagine my life without my parents. We are a close family....despite the ups and downs, we pull together.
I think that autumn brought on a touch of melancholy.....I was tearful after dropping them home.
Tomorrow will be a new day....

Goodnight my friend......

Cheryl said...

Hi Liz........I am fortunate that my parents have reached old age....but it still leaves me with sadness to see the changes.

Jo-Ann said...

Today we (my siblings and I) made the decision that my parents (87 & 91) need to go into Assisted Living. I'm glad they will be "safe" but I cried because things will never be "like they used to be".
I think this is the hardest thing I've ever had to do and I am trusting God to help us one day at a time as we seek what is best for them.

God bless you as you help your parents in the days ahead.

Morning Glories in Round Rock said...

A very thoughtful bittersweet post today, Cheryl, your photos so expressive. I think it is so important to live each day in the moment, as you say. It's good you live close and can visit your parents often. It is hard for me because I live so far from my mother--she is the main reason I started my blog. But every time I see her for the first time in awhile, I am always taken aback at how stooped and tired she looks. My father died when I was 26--my step-father 7 years ago. I wonder if Fall is a time when we become cognizant of time passing. Maybe what your mother means is that each moment is special and needs to be cherished.

beckie said...

Cheryl, a lovely caring post for two very special people in your life I know you care deeply for your parents and they for you. Your gardens provide them with peace and beauty and for that I am sure they are grateful.

Cheryl said...

Hi Jo-Ann.....that must have been a most difficult decision but sometimes it is for the best.
I do hope that things work out.....

Cheryl said...

Dear Morning Glories.....as you so rightly say I am lucky to be near them.....

It must be difficult for you not having mother close by. Living in the moment is certainly the only answer for me. My gardens certainly give me peace of mind, much needed at times.
In saying that, I feel honoured to take this journey with my parents. They have much knowledge and wisdom.....I listen.

Thank you for your beautiful comment.....

Cheryl said...

Dear Beckie.....thank you. I can always see a slight difference in Mum and Dad after they have visited.....no matter how long it takes, they always walk the garden with me. My mother (who has never really gardened) is very in touch with this space. I saw her yesterday in the summer house....she was watching the birds and smiling.....

Yolanda Elizabet Heuzen said...

Wonderfully insightful post Cheryl! Both my parents are old and frail and time is running out. But they are still with me and I appreciate the precious moments I have with them.

This year I made a new front garden for my dad as he was unable to keep up his garden as he used to do. And I am happy to say that the new front garden has brought a lot of joy to both my parents. It's only since a year or so that my mother has started to appreciate a beautiful garden.

Lisa at Greenbow said...

It is nice that your parents are still able to get out and about. They are a treasure as I know you are to them.

Cheryl said...

Yolanda....what a lovely thing to do....a precious gift for them both to enjoy.
I help Dad with his garden now, he cannot manage the small space they have.

I cherish each moment with them......

Cheryl said...

Hi Lisa....my mother only leaves the house if I take her.
Both parents have ongoing heart related health problems.....and other health issues...
My mother is having breathing difficulties at the moment. We are at the hospital tomorrow.....I am hoping they will be able to do something for her.....

Wendy said...

Dear Cheryl,
I have tears in my eyes as I read this. What a tender-hearted post. Your parents so fragile, yet love shines all through this.

Your garden is such a comfort....

Hugs to you and your parents. I hope their medical appointments go well.

ChrisND said...

A touching theme in words and photos. Every moment is special and each generation gives to the next.

Anonymous said...

Hi Cheryl..I walked with you round your beautiful garden...absolute treasure of a photo of your
` Mother and Father`...
Beautiful` I love how it just captures those moments in an instaince...TFS
Have a lovely week:)xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
`Many Blessings` to you and yours:)