Thursday, May 10, 2012

A Daughter's Love


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The little girl with the blonde braids and pink flowered bathing suit holds her mother’s hand on one side and her father’s hand on the other as she is lifted above the waves as they roll onto the shore.  She squeals in delight as her toes skim the top of the frothy blue water. Their laughter fills the summer air.

Later, as the sun lowers into the deep blue lake, her head lowers as she peers into the Coke bottle filled with orange ladybugs she’s collected that day.  She smiles up into the loving face of her mother who shepherds her toward the big old cottage surrounded by dune grass and tall pines.  She looks forward to climbing into the big, brass bed and snuggling under piles of colorful handmade quilts as the rolling waves lullaby her to sleep.

I am so grateful for beautiful summers spent at the cottage with you and Dad. Because of those long, sparkling, sun-filled days, I embrace my love of being by the water.

~  ♥  ~


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The young girl walks toward the library on a late spring day after school to meet her mother to walk together the short distance home for dinner.  She enters the cool, quiet building that has the distinct smell of books, paper, and ink, and sinks into a big leather chair with the book her mother had picked out for her.  As her eyes dance across the words, she is transported to another world. She looks up to see her mother watching her through the glass window of the office, and smiles.

I am so grateful for the love of the written word you instilled in me through the books you chose for me as a child.

~  ♥  ~

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The young girl sits at the piano, chin quivering and smile turned upside down.  Practice is not in her plans for the day, but the mother gazes sternly at her and points at the keys.  She begrudgingly starts plunking out the notes to the song.  The mother peeks around the corner and nods her head, smiling. Thirty minutes later, frown long gone, fingers flying across the keys…the music has captured the daughter's soul as her mother hums along in the kitchen.

I am so grateful for the piano lessons you gave me which taught me the love of music.

~  ♥  ~

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The small girl in the shorts and tee shirt follows the mother out the door and together they walk into the back yard.  Strung from the house to the garage is a long, white clothesline that crosses in front of a large, fragrant, purple lilac bush. The mother sets the laundry basket down and hangs up the clothespin bag, dropping a couple weathered clothespins into her daughter’s open hands.  She pulls down the line as the daughter’s tiny feet arch up onto toes and she clips the pillow slip onto the line, her mother’s hands guiding. Sun warm on their heads as the clothesline fills with sweet smelling linens.

I am so grateful for sweet, simple times spent with you.

~  ♥  ~

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The young girl stands at the kitchen counter between the mother and grandmother.  All three wearing aprons. All three smiling and laughing. The grandmother shows the young girl the easiest and fastest way to slice apples.  The mother bustles about the kitchen preparing canning jars and stirring the spicy, bubbling applesauce mixture on the stove.  It’s a time of learning for the young girl.  A time of teaching for the mother and grandmother.  A time of bonding for all three. Three generations of love standing shoulder to shoulder.


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Many years later, the adult daughter stands at the kitchen counter next to her mother.  They both wear aprons.  The mother hands each ingredient to the daughter.  The spices are shaken into the zucchini mixture in the big ironstone bowl.  The daughter asks a question that makes the mother smile and their heads touch in laughter.  Loving memories of the grandmother need not be spoken. They are there. The room is filled with the smell of fresh, warm zucchini bread.

I am so grateful for the life lessons you taught me throughout the years.


 ~  ♥  ~


Mother's Day - 2008

The mother and daughter sit hip to hip in the golf cart. Daughter encouraging her mother in the driver's seat.  The mother's eyesight at only a sliver of what it used be before radiation treatments years before.  Nerves jangle, and anxious laughter fills the air. Her foot presses down tentatively on the pedal and the cart jumps forward.  More nervous laughter erupts as family members clap and encourage.  Hair soon blows in the wind as the mother realizes that she can do this as the cart flies across the yard. The daughter's heart is filled with happiness at the joy she sees on her mother's face.

I am so grateful for your courage and willingness to try new things, but most of all ~ your sweet laughter.

~  ♥  ~


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The daughter stands at the foot of the hospital bed.  The mother lays amidst the crisp, white sheets, complexion pale, eyes tired.  She lays a hand on the aged hand and strokes it lightly.  Prayers whispered quietly to the angels attending. So many times spent like this.  So many times leaving stronger.  So many gifts of healing from God over the years. So many answered prayers.

I am so grateful for your continued strength and determination ~ a true testament of the faith and trust that you have in our Lord Jesus Christ.

                                                                
~  ♥  ~

September 2011

The mother grasps the daughter’s arm as they make their way into the restaurant while the father parks the car.  Rich Asian smells drift from the open door. Walking slowly, arm in arm, shoulders touching.  The daughter feels the shaking warmth of her mother’s hand as she covers it with her own.  Memories of holding hands and jumping waves stir inside her soul. Memories of lilac scented laundry, hospital rooms, applesauce, zucchini bread, and piano music wrap themselves softly around her heart. She silently prays that her mother will never let go of her hand.

Because she loves her so very much…

                                   and still needs her...


                                         to help her jump more waves.


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I love you beyond words, Mom. 


Happy Mother's Day ~









♥  [I created a booklet of these memories to give to my Mom for Mother's Day.  Because of her recent Alzheimer's diagnosis, I wanted to give her something to help her remember the cherished times that we spent together in the past. It will be something that she can look at from time to time...and remember how very much I love her.]




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93 comments:

  1. Absolutely bawling my eyes out.

    No words, except, well..............love.

    Well done, ma'am!

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  2. Hi Laurie,
    That is the most beautiful testament to the love of a daughter for her Mom love that I have ever read!!!

    May God bless you and your Mom,

    Carolyn

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  3. What a beautiful post and tribute to your Mother.
    Happy Mother's Day to you Laurie.

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  4. Laurie,
    That is so beautiful.What a touching tribute to you Mother.Wishing you Blessings and Love on your Mothers day.
    (((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))) <3
    Anne

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  5. What a poignant and beautifully written piece, Laurie. God bless you- I have walked in your shoes with my own mother. It is not an easy journey. xo Diana

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  6. Moving and loving words just right for this time of year. Your blog and your post are lovely.

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  7. Oh my goodness my eyes are swelling up.
    What a beautiful post.

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  8. My eyes are swelling too, you have so much talent in your writing and sharing your beautiful words of thought with all of us. Thanks for sharing this beautiful tribute.

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  9. Just beautiful, Laurie. This made me teary. Enjoy your mom this Mother's Day. xo

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  10. Me too..I have tears..what a tender loving post~

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  11. Oh wow Laurie, how beautiful this post is, and what a great idea for mothers day for your mom....I have a similar issue, and this is very sweet to read~

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  12. Oh Laurie... this is absolutely beautiful but so hard to read. I know you know about my grandmother and I have written so many thoughts and posts about her (that I have shared and haven't shared). I remember holding Grammys hand and telling my husband so many times that it didn't matter to me if she didn't know me anymore.... I knew who she was and just being able to hold her hand was enough. Your mother is so lucky to have you as her daughter. Sending love your way sweet friend.
    Hugs, Courtney

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  13. This is one of the most beautiful Mother's Day posts, ever. My heart is full. I watched my mother's memory slip away, before her passing. Stay strong in faith. Many blessings to you and your mom.

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  14. Laure, what a beautiful post and tribute to a woman who was obviously a wonderful mother and friend. It's such a blessing to have so many positive memories of your mother. Such an inspiring post about what's truly important in life.
    Mary Alice

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  15. Oh, Laurie - this is so beautiful. You have such a wonderful way with words. That was one of the first things I appreciated about you.
    The love between a mother and daughter is a treasure
    My daughter (20 years old) told me today that I am her best friend. I am blessed, indeed.

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  16. Your photos are just amazing! I am so in love with them!

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  17. Laurie,
    I always come from your blog so fully blessed...today was another of those precious day! I, truly, am grateful that God led me to your blog! Thank you for this touching tribute to your Mother!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  18. How indescribably beautiful that is. It brought tears to my eyes. Happy Mother's Day to you!

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  19. Laurie: What a beautiful remembrance for your Mom. She will be so proud of the daughter that she raised. I really can't see to type so just will say hope you have a wonderous day with your mom and your ability to put your thoughts down on paper is amazing..Judy

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  20. What a sweet sweet Mothers day post!

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  21. Laurie,
    What a beautiful post, it made me cry. You are so blessed to have your mother by your side. I was blessed to hold my mother's hand for short six years, then she passed away, it's been 42 years and still miss her so much. Enjoy your mother and you both have a wonderful mother's day.
    Send you a big hug,
    Laura

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  22. Laurie ~I'm so blessed to know you~(even if only through blog world) You are such a BEAUTIFUL person! I love your post...you are a very special daughter.
    Thank you for sharing! HUGS and Happy Mother's Day~
    xok

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  23. Tears in my eyes make it hard to see. That was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen or read. I lost my mom 5 years ago so this weekend isn't the best for me. I don't have to tell you to cherish every moment. I think you already get thaT. Wishing you a very happy mothers day

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  24. This was so beautiful Laurie. I'm so glad I had some time to read my favorite blogs tonight, so I could read your special post. I found many memories of my own in it.
    Thank you!
    Karen

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  25. Beautiful loving sentiments Laurie. You are blessed to have such warm, comforting memories.

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  26. Awwwwww...Laurie....choked up dear....so sweet....beautiful tribute to your beautiful mom....
    xoxo,

    Shelalgh

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  27. Awwww! Laurie,
    I did not know when to stop tearing up and when to stop smiling. I was so taken with your beauty in this mothers day prayer that I will hold dear to my heart for many mothers days to come. Amazing writtings that need to be printed in those sweet little books one would buy at a Hallmark card shop or book rack with mini books of endearment.

    No words can express the beauty in a life lived with love and prayer.

    Happy Mothers day to your Mom of beauty.
    Happy Mothers Day to you my dear sweet friend for writting your story.

    xoxo
    Dore

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  28. Dear sweet Laurie
    How beautiful to share this with all of us. My tears are overflowing as I read each paragraph. What a testament is right and a precious gift for our hearts to see. May you be blessed this Mother's Day beyond measure and your heart be filled with love.

    Happy Mother's day to you and your beautiful Mom

    xoxo
    Kate

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  30. laurie, so beautiful...gulp. so sweet. many blessings to you and your dear mother. ann
    p.s. and congratulations on being featured this week at feathered nest friday.

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  31. Liebe Laurie

    deine Bilder gehen direkt ins Herz!!!! wunderschöööön
    Liebste Grüsse
    Tanja

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  32. What an absolutely beautiful post! Not only are you very fortunate to have such a wonderful mother but I think that she too is fortunate to have such a loving daughter.

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  33. What a lovely post ...tears rolling down my cheeks.........it is my first mother day without my mom......love from me.....xxx..enjoy the day....

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  34. You made me cry. So simplistic and lovely Laurie. Your love shines through! xo

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  35. such a lovely, heart tugging post, laurie. hugs to you and your dear mom:)

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  36. This post tugged at my heart as it is so very precious Laurie!!!! God has blessed you with such a gift for words...your mother is very lovely and very lucky to have you for a daughter!!
    Blessings~

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  37. What a wonderful post, Laurie. My Mother has been gone for 10 years and I still want her to help me jump over more waves every day. This really touched my heart.

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  38. Laurie, Your beautiful post brought me to tears...what a sweet tribute to your wonderful mother. Enjoy your Mother's Day- this made mine sweeter. Diana

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  39. what a blessing this was to read this morning, laurie. i feel it all. the love that breaks our heart into something more beautiful. you have honored your mother with such loveliness!

    michele

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  40. Such a beautiful tribute to your Mom, Laurie.
    Such wonderful memories for you to have, forever, and for always.
    Big squeezes.
    xxxooo

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  41. I think I was meant to read this today. I am typing through my tears, this is the most beautiful post I have read. When my Mother died I wrote a poem and the first line was, "The angels have come to take you away"....when you mentioned the angels, I lost it. This will be a most precious gift to your Mother. Have a beautiful Mother's day and enjoy her while you can. XO, Pinky

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  42. Wow, I'm crying. Straight from your heart to my computer screen. xo

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  43. What a beautiful post... OMG... Full of sweet memories...
    Have a nice weekend and a wonderful Mother's Day!
    Jutta

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  44. Laurie this is such a lovely way to honor your Mother, so poignant!!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  45. Such sweetness, Laurie. Your words bring a flood of my own memories to mind. Bless you and your mom this Mother's Day.
    -Revi

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  46. Choked with emotion.... that is so beautiful Laurie. Thank you for sharing this with Shabbilicious Friday ♥

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  47. Beyond words here...

    Prayers for you as you face the days...years ahead.

    So many of us know all too well what you are dealing with. I pray for mercy and courage upon you all.

    Blessings...Rebecca

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  48. This is the most beautiful post!! What an wonderful way to honor your mom!! May you and your mom have a Blessed mothers day!!!

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  49. I have the ugly cry going on here! Oh my, what a wonderful tribute to your mom. What sweet, cherished memories. I hope she understands what a blessing she is to you. Thank you so much for sharing. Happy Mother's Day to you both.

    ~Shanon

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  50. Oh Laurie, You have touched so many hearts with this lovely, poetic, tender testimony of experiencing the love of a wonderful Mom. I, too, was so blessed with a mother that was simply the best. I, too, walked through Alzheimers with her, and she went to be with the Lord in 2004 with me holding her hand, and stroking her hair, just as she had done for me so very many times throughout my life.

    I praise God that all she has given is being given right back to her through you. I also thank Him that you know she is in His perfect care, and always will be.

    Have a lovely Mother's Day, Laurie. Enjoy this precious time with your special Mom!!!
    Thank you for such a poignant, tender, sweet reminder of the love of these incredible mothers of ours!!

    Love and hugs,
    Becky

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  51. Such a beautiful post Laurie, made me cry as I thought of my own Mum. Your blog is delightful, thanks for your visit to mine. Am now following you, have a wonderful week-end, hugs Robyn

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  52. These were beautiful words and a wonderful tribute to your mom, Laurie. It's easy to see she taught you to have the right values about love and family. I'm sure this will be an extra special Mother's Day that you will treasure. Have a wonderful weekend spending time with your family.

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  53. Oh my gosh Laurie- your words are like none i have ever read. What a gifted writer you are! Your post stirred my heart strings, made me laugh, made me cry with heavy sobs. God bless you and your family and mum. God blessed us by letting us share your heartfelt writing and life's journey with us!
    Happy Pink Saturday & Happy MOTHER'S DAY to you!
    Sparkly Hugs,
    Tobi and the Pixies!
    PS- This SHOULD be one of those Hallmark books in the card section!!

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  54. What a lovely idea - what beautiful words. I did something similar last week for my parents' 61st anniversary, because my mother is becoming disturbed that she 'can't remember things'. I tell her that we will remember for her.

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  55. So nice to meet you.I'm meeting you from Tobi's blog site.Wonderful touching love letter to your Mom.Made Me miss My Mom,who passed in 1998 at 66.It's hard for Me to imagine what My Mom would have looked like as an elderly women.I know it would have been so different.I'm glade you get to spend more time with your lovely Mother.I'm now your new follower.Blessings to you this weekend-Denise from Coffeeberry Cottage.

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  56. Laurie I'm now also following you on Pinterest.I'll get to learn what French Nordic looks like I hope.Please visit Me any time,browse at your leisure.

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  57. Laurie, what a beautiful and blessed post about your mom and your memories. I've got a lump in my throat.

    Have a beautiful weekend.

    Your newest friend.

    Nancy

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  58. What a beautiful and loving tribute to your mother. Your descriptions made me feel like I was there! Thanks for visiting True Hope and a Future!

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  59. Laurie,
    You are such a treasure for your mother. What sweet words...I have tears in my eyes as I read it.
    Enjoy your Mothers Day and also Happy Mothers Day to your Mother.
    Suzann ~xoxo~

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  60. Dear Laurie,
    A tear trickles down my face as I read this.
    Thank you for sharing the gift of your heartfelt and eloquent words.
    Linda at Beautiful Ideas

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  61. Dear Laurie,
    What a beautiful and loving tribute to your mom. I think you have touched many hearts with it. The pictures of the beach made me feel like I was there. I'm an Islander, you see, surrounded by water, and the beach is my favourite place to be.
    God bless you and your beautiful mom and I thank you for sharing this precious story from your heart. Happy Mother's Day to you both!

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  62. This is a beautiful tribute both to you and your sweet Mom. Blessings to you.

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  63. Dear Laurie,

    This was one of the most loving tributes to a mom that I have heard in years. What a thoughtful and loving daughter you are and you Mom is so blessed to have you as her daughter.

    Nothing more to add - except - I wish you a wonderful and loving Mother's Day!

    Hugs,
    Donna

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  64. Just beautiful. I can't say enough...Happy Mothers Day to you and your mom.
    Hugs,
    Clara

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  65. What a beautiful tribute to your mom. I definitely had tears in my eyes while reading it. I hope you and your mother are having a wonderful and Happy Mother's Day.

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  66. (((Laurie)))) This is a beautiful posting. What a great idea to create a memory book for your mom. The images that you chose for this posting are beautiful. I love the photo of you and your mom in the golf cart. Keep hanging on to the joyful memories because they along with your faith will carry you through. I hope you are having a lovely day and enjoying your garden today Laurie.

    ~Sandy XXOO

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  67. B e a u t i f u l !!!!!!!
    I love this tribute to your mother Laurie.
    What a wonderful mom you have....and your memories priceless!
    Thank you so much for sharing with us all. xoxo

    Much love,
    Deborah xoxoxo

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  68. Oh Laurie, you've touched my heart so deeply with this post, thank you!
    How I wish I could have shared posts like this with my Mom...my biggest inspiration always in my life.
    You've made this bittersweet day a bit brighter for me, thank you!

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  69. Laurie, Memories are so special and this post was so touching. My mother passed away 4 years ago and now my mother-in-law has Alzheimer's. We just gave her a book with photos and names to help her remember her family. So important to hold each day close. It's so amazing so many of our friends are going through the same thing with their parents. Thank you so much for sharing your story and giving us strength.

    Jody

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  70. I think that may be one of the most beautiful things I've ever read.

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  71. Wow, you have touched my heart. What a lovely post of memories about your mother. Thank you so much for sharing.
    Blessings,
    Cindy

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  72. Beautiful my friend, she is lucky to have you!
    Love
    Kristin

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  73. Laurie,
    What a beautiful tribute to her. God Bless!
    xo
    mC

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  74. What a wonderful testimony of the love of a mother and daughter. Thank you for sharing your precious heart with us.

    I am sorry. I am touched.

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  75. Very lovely. I really enjoyed reading this post about your relationship with your mother. Thanks for sharing!!

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  76. What a beautiful tribute to your mother. Thank you for sharing your memories, and thank you for the memories that it stirred with me. It's so easy to try to deny that our parents are aging and by doing that we set ourselves up for regrets in the future. Thank you for reminding me of that.

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  77. What a beautiful post Laurie! Such sweet memories, it is so lovely that you put them into this post. Thank you for joining me at Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

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  78. Oh Laurie,

    You are such a wonderful daughter. I know your mother is so blessed to have an incredible daughter like you. And you are such an inspiration in the face of so many challenges.

    Thank you for sharing your heart today my wonderful friend.

    blessings,
    karianne

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  79. Sweetest Laurie, what a beautiful post!!!

    Big hug
    Mia

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  80. Just beautiful, Laurie! Your mom is lucky to have a daughter like you.

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  81. How wonderfully touching. I certainly would love for you to share this at cowgirl up, because it is just beautiful, but no pressure. It was so touching.

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  82. This is such a beautiful post, Laurie. What wonderful memories...♥

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  83. What a beautiful post. It is so hard to see our parents aging. We try to be strong for them when inside our hearts are breaking. Both of my parents have had to deal with cancer. Sadly my Father passed away 6 years ago, but I thank God everyday that my Mother is in remission from her cancer for now. I hope it stays away for ever. It is so difficult being by those hospital beds, especially the ones in a hospice where you know they will never come home. I know your post will help your mom keep all those beautiful memories. You are very special.

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  84. Wow, Laurie. Your mom raised a wonderful girl.

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  85. What a beautiful tribute to your mother! Thank you for sharing your heart...

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  86. You are a powerful writer.
    Simply beautiful.
    Simply moving.

    <3 Christina
    http://igottacreate.blogspot.com
    Always an honor to have you at the linky party.
    Thanks so much for sharing at the Wildly Original Round Up.

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  87. I shared it on the ranch's FB page, so grab a featured button if you like.

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  88. One of the most beautiful things I've ever read...with tears trickling down my face, as my own mother at 94 was given a diagnosis today that will stretch her, stretch us and reminds us no matter how many years we have, it seems never enough time. And oh the memories, so many like yours...touching, meaningful...lasting and treasured.

    Liz

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  89. Beautiful memories that you hold dear, and beautifully captured. Lovely.

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  90. So sweet. Mothers are a daughter's biggest and best cheerleader. Sometimes later in life we get to be our Mother's cheerleader.

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Bless you and thank you for visiting! I read each of your comments and treasure them all. So, please make sure your settings will accept emails, or leave your email address so that I can reply! ♥ Laurie