Mom's Pie

She was beautiful…a lady to the very end.

These are the words that I remember…the words that comforted me today, long-distance, as I was told,  that my mother slipped peacefully into the gentle stillness of death.

My mother truly was a lady, a genuine southern belle. Not a ditzy maiden batting her eyelashes,  swooning and fainting, but a thoughtful soul with a genteel demeanor…To put it simply, polite. She was born in an age when manners counted for something, when civility was more noble that winning.

She taught me to give the largest slice of pie to the guest…to do for others…to offer my coat to someone who's chilled. She showed me the power of generosity and compassion. She taught me to say please and thank you and to really mean it when I spoke those words.

Everything that is good about me is her doing. And I will miss her very much. But I will always be comforted by those words "…a lady to the very end." She died the way she lived. And when she left us, she left us with a conscious, and with kindness, and with empathy. These are the things that she gave to us…the largest slice of pie.

Comments

[Fran]

You are every mother's hope in a son- I'm sure she was proud of you Knowing you learned what she was teaching by example. I Member you had another thoughtful post when your father died as well-we should all be so fortunate to have some one eulogize us as you have them. May they both rest in Peace as their work here is done.

[paul]

Gary,I'm so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. She was quite a lady. I can't imagine how hard it must be to lose both your parents so close in time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

[Genuine]

She sounds amazing, and your words honor her.

[Janet]

Thank you for sharing what a beautiful lady your mom was. You are so very lucky to have had such a wonderful mother, and likewise, she was lucky to be blessed with you. I'm sorry for you loss.

[Robin P]

I am so sorry. Your mother sounds truly lovely.The fact that you were able to appreciate all those wonderful lessons she taught you,shows what kind of person you are.
It seems unfair to lose your mom and dad so close together. Your tribute to each of them was very loving. That's why you are such a wonderful father and husband.

[Angela Giles Klocke]

(((HUGS)))

[Angie]

I am so sorry for your loss! Your description of her was so wonderful. Thanks for sharing it with us!

[Mother of Invention]

You have worded this so beautifully and with the perfect ending. The biggest slice of pie is truly yours!

[barbara]

condolences. and hopefully, this remains true, high fives, for your wife's full recovery...

[panasianbiz]

I stumbled across your blog while I was doing some online research. Your mother sounds like she was a true lady. The world could use more of these gracious, kind women of yesteryear.