I drove out to Antigonish, Nova Scotia on May 27, thinking I would be spending three weeks with my mother because she seemed to be doing well but sadly her health took a quick turn and instead, I spent a week with her in her palliative care room and was with her when she passed.
Our mother was an earth angel in my opinion. She wasn't an ambitious person seeking worldly accolades, but she always had an open mind, a loving heart, and an endless curiosity about life. She was constantly learning and would send me envelopes stuffed with newspaper clippings about ideas, articles, and things she thought I would enjoy.
She was a loving mother, grandmother, wife, and a true-blue friend. Whenever I visited, she would always ask what kind of soup or muffins I'd like her to make. She often cooked for friends in need. She knitted mittens, hats, Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls, and Babar elephants for dozens of children. She cared deeply about people, the earth, and all living creatures. She fed the chipmunks and squirrels, and for years she had a raven friend who faithfully came to visit her.
My mother volunteered at the hospital, was active in her church, and was always available to help a friend or offer a listening ear. She was deeply family-oriented and made sure birthdays and holidays were always celebrated. She was also courageous. At age sixty she went on an Outward Bound adventure, and later she came to visit me in Japan for a month. She started painting at age 84 and discovered that she was very talented even though she would always deflect the compliment and say that she had a great teacher. We shared so many wonderful adventures, deep conversations and so much laughter together.
I learned many things from my mother, but what stood out most were honesty, integrity, kindness and loyalty. She always had an open mind and rarely judged me or anyone else. She was easy to talk to, and everyone who met her loved her because she was all heart. She was always available to talk to and when I was going through a hard time, she always listened without judgment and helped me get through it. My mother was my rock, my pillar and my hero. She was a role model of being a good, loving, kind person who contributed to her community and to those who needed help.
There was a purity about her that felt safe and wholesome. We shared wonderful conversations and laughed together often. Her smile could light up a room, and in the last few years, when she spoke less and less, the light in her eyes seemed to radiate pure, unconditional love and acceptance.
My mother truly left a Legacy of Love and I wrote a song about her which I will share at her Life Celebration. I hope you will come and sing along to celebrate this wonderful woman, Dorothy.
