Mac practicing his 'wooly worm' impersonation again

I was scanning a sleeve of Dad's slides yesterday that included images of family events in the spring/summer of 1964. I don't remember ever seeing these, and once again, am blown away by the "time capsule" images of our young family, my childhood home in Glen Burnie Park, MD, our relatives, and surprisingly-- my pregnant (with me) Mom! Dad took these pictures using a manual Voigtländer Prominent Synchro-Compur 35mm camera, which he (apparently) obtained during his college years in the 1950s. By the 1980's when the popularity of Kodachrome (slide) film ebbed, and I believe he moved onto a higher-quality Nikon, Dad gave me the Voigtländer to use when I took photography classes in high school. Photography was definitely something we had in common, and I wish Dad and I could have discussed photography more. He had quite an eye, and many of his photos (below) are stunning. Whenever I look at our young family, I find the 'baby' pictures of my brothers John Christopher (now 56) and Douglas (deceased) especially adorable! 

(I realize this post is less specifically about Mom, but wanted to share these photos.)

When I pulled into our parking area at dusk yesterday a yard bunny was nibbling grass on our walkway!
(Shot with my phone's camera)

For those who’ve experienced loss, you might identify with these quotes from C.S. Lewis’ A Grief Observed, “No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear,” and “The death of a beloved is an amputation.” Ironically, on this roller-coaster called ‘grieving’ we also have these powerful promises from God’s Word, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed,” Psalm 34:18 (NLT) and “[The Spirit of the Lord] has sent me to heal the brokenhearted,” Psalm 61:1 (NKJV). Amazing!
 
I purchased a device that allows me to scan Dad’s slides to my computer. I am pretty speechless to see these romantic photos of Mom and Dad, ages 21 and 26. The love and joy I see on their faces is beyond words. These were taken the week after their wedding on July 8, 1960 at the "Honeymoon Capital of the World"--- Niagra Falls!

Special Guests:  Mac's sleepy brothers, Purr-Tater & Hobbs

Windowsill roses

Mac chillin' in front of the microwave

Perhaps because of her chronic illness or my attachment to her, I’ve dreaded Mom’s passing my whole adult life. When I was twelve, she shared with my brothers and me that she had multiple sclerosis. In spite of her diagnosis, Mom did extremely well health-wise and had a full and rewarding teaching career, taking disability retirement from public education in 1993. Even after Dad passed away in 2007 from cancer, Mom still enjoyed much independence and mobility. But after my brother Doug’s tragic brain injury and subsequent death in 2012, Mom’s health declined dramatically. She moved between hospital, rehab, and home for several years. Failing to regain strength after her final stint in rehab in 2016, Mom remained in bed much of the time, unable to transfer on her own to her power chair. It was very difficult to see her health decline and dementia steal her clear thinking. Mom, however, almost always had a positive attitude.
 
Though my husband and I lobbied for her to come live near us, she wanted to stay in Florida with my brother, John. Though it was hard to not see her often, she frequently told us how happy she was under John’s care and what a great job he was doing. Though sad for us, we’re grateful she was happy!  She received excellent home nursing care and had other great caregivers. Praise God, I’m thankful Mom always remembered who Evan and I were when we visited and called! 
 
I saw Mom’s body at the funeral home before her funeral service – she looked great – though she’d changed quite a bit from the last time we visited. But that’s not how I’ll remember her. A memory of Mom from my childhood stands out crystal clear. It’s Mom as the beautiful, laughing, long-haired brunette at the Glen Burnie Park (MD) public swimming pool, who laughed and played in the water as my family taught me how to dive. I was holding her big comb under my chin to keep my head down, as she smiled and cheered me on.  I picture her like that now, in heaven, so young, whole, and free. She was my biggest cheerleader growing up, and I picture her in heaven, still cheering me on.
 
A treasure I brought home from Florida was Dad’s slides. His collection spanned from their dating years, including the young 20 year-old on dates with Dad, the college graduate, the new teacher, the glowing bride, to the young mother of three. It's a bit surreal to see my Mom (then Dad's girlfriend or fiancé) through the eyes of my 25-year old father! My parents both grew up in the town of Dunkirk, NY. The photos below were taken in that general area. I hope you enjoy them.
(To be continued…)

How do you say goodbye to a mother so dear, the most beautiful person I loved upon entering this world?
I don't think you do say goodbye. Now that she's in heaven, life has become before Mom passed away and after.

A treasure I brought home after her funeral in Florida is a box of slides, photos my father took, documenting their courtship and the early years of our family. In the coming days and weeks, I'll be sharing memories of Mom and some of these precious images.

This photo of Mom (above) was taken on a visit to FL in 2003, and has sat on my piano since then. It's one of my favorites.