The one year anniversary of the death of my mother, Judy Jones, came and went this past Sunday, 30 May 2010. I spent that day gardening placing a lovely, wonderfully scented tropical Rhododendron, which Mother would have loved, in a spot where all can enjoy its beauty and scent in her memory
Vireya 'Lake Habema'
all the while humming to myself a poignant version of Que Sera Sera.
Que Sera, Sera sung by Pink Martini
Toward the end, when she was fading, Mother had an especially memorable conversation with me. Her mood then (as it was nearly always) was cheerful; whenever she saw me she would smile and laugh. She did not appear to be oppressed at all by the knowledge she had cancer and was dying. Remarkable! Mother revealed in this chat lit by the light of the sunset that she wished she had sung more in her life, 'I always loved music"! Mother then paused and sang, in a weak and broken fashion, a bit of "You Belong to Me"
You Belong to Me sung by Patti Page
stopping to finish with... "but folks have always liked and enjoyed me which is something, I suppose".
I could not agree with you more, Mother, and I am just so very grateful we all had the delight of knowing you during your time in this world.
I trust that the kind and warm memory of Judy Jones continues to enrich our life as certainly as it does mine.
Best Wishes to you all!
Jeff
3 comments:
So beautiful! The waterworks are definitely being induced right now...but then again, deaths of those closest to me have historically been an area that i am unable to mask my emotions. Still, I couldnt think of a more appropriate story to tell at this annual reminder of such a painful reality. Thankyou uncle Jeff; not only is it rejuvinating, but also inspirational. We should focus on the wonderful gift of Grandmothers presence in out lives...the memories we shared...her lessons and positive influences on the developement of our character. And oh how she loved music: Grandmother attended many of my performances in my life, but i remember when i was either 11 or 12 years old she drove all the way down from Franklin to see me perform my first Violin Solo at the LMEA music competition. Her response was a high in itself. The last time we were together, i played that same solo from Ashokan Farewell off of an antique Violin i purchased from her good friend earlier that day (at a discounted price mind you!). I could only get The A and E string to hold, but it was enough for me to play all of her favorites. At the time i was either too optimistic, or too in denial, to even consider that this would be the last time we were together. Still, I am so thankful for that Christmas, and that i was able to depart from such an influential figure in my life on such a fantastic note(no pun intended). I think of you always, and like dr. Carl Sagan said: "To live in the hearts we leave behind is to never die".
Your loving Grandson,
Wolf
Dear Wolf,
Yes, your grandmother was a rabid fan of you and your music making. I recall her detailed accounts of the recital you mention in your comment (and nearly everything else you ever did before her on the violin, I suppose, public or private).
You gave her a great deal of joy.
By-the-by, you mother mentioned that you had been accepted into the ranks of The Chemical. Congratulations! I trust you are playing sweet music of your compadres?
Jeff
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