The first sentence of the opening paragraph sets the tone for the whole piece of writing that follows. This is even more true for a blog post where lots of people don’t actually read the whole post. The opening and closing sentences give the skimmers a point of reference to frame their questions or comments.
Sometimes I will sit here and the words just spill out onto the page faster than I can type them. The piece of writing takes on a small life of its own and all the words fit together nicely.
Other times I will be interrupted and lose my train of thought so many times that, I either just give up and save the piece to my drafts folder or I struggle along clumsily, placing all the wrong words in a crooked line.
Often I will read something my daughter has written and the powerful beauty of her words will take my breath away. I will start to cry as I nod yes to her words, and then with her pain ringing in my ears I end up here trying to articulate my own.
Veronica will be 21 on Thursday. Veronica’s 21st birthday was the milestone that Mum was aiming for. I am struggling to contain my bitterness that we lost Mum to a cancer she should never have had. I am so sad for Veronica that her birthday will be such a difficult day without Mum.
Normally we would have planned a celebration. There would have been lots of food and music, laughter and joy. Now there is only sadness and ashes.I am bitter that the joy has been stolen from my child.
Veronica and I are going out for lunch to our favourite Japanese restaurant tomorrow, just us two together.
Tomorrow is Remembrance Day (11 November) marks the anniversary of the armistice which ended the First World War (1914–18). Each year Australians observe one minute silence at 11 am on 11 November, in memory of those who died or suffered in all wars and armed conflicts.
I wonder what we will be remembering?
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Damn.
Enjoy your lunch together, and try to enjoy remembering.
I’m so sorry. I know this pain never goes away… it just finds a more comfortable place in your heart.
Enjoy your lunch … I can’t believe that Veronica is only 21! Such wisdom! Such insight.
xoxoxox
You and Veronica will be celebrating your Mum’s life. You’ll be honouring her memory by remembering the joy, the laughter and the love that she had brought to the both of you and to all the people around her.
Salute.xxxxx
((hugs)) Kim. I think if I lost my mum I would be completely and utterly lost, so although I don’t know what you’re going through yet, I can slightly imagine, and you have all of my love.
*hugs to my crazy/mad/awesome Frog Queen auntie* xx
Hugs, Kim. Lots of hugs.
Hugs Kim. The milestones always seem so much harder, I know. But her love surrounds the both of you every day– especially tomorrow. More hugs.
Twenty-one! Old soul, that girl is. Such a tough year for the both of you. I’m sorry.
Oh bugger. I wish she could have a happier birthday. I wish you both could. I hope your meal is yummy and your remembrances aren’t too sad.
enjoy your daughters company and toast the ones that are not with you.
it’s like stealing when someone is taken away and they never should have been.
unfair.
Pour a third glass for your mum and share it with Vonnie, she’s there in spirit with you both (((hugs)))
I’m sorry for your loss. Hope your lunch together was accompanied by nice rememberings.