Sunday, January 15, 2012

Thank You


"And He will raise you up on eagle's wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His Hand."

From the hymn  "On Eagle's Wings" by Jan Michael Joncas

Thank you to all who have comforted me here in comments on my blog, on facebook, and by e-mail and mail, on the recent passing of my Mother.  Your kind words of sympathy and support were greatly appreciated by myself and my family. I've lived almost my entire life down the block from my childhood home in Brooklyn, NY, and therefore my Mom was also a frequent part of my children's and husband's daily life and we will miss her very much. We are comforted by our faith that Mother is now at peace in Heaven.



I find nature calming to my soul, so I took a walk this weekend to the Salt Marsh Nature Center in South Brooklyn’s Marine Park, which is going under environmental renovation.  It was peaceful to watch a few families of mallard ducks enjoying their habitat, despite the chilly January temperature.



I also had to chuckle over this industrious little squirrel who was busy gathering leaves to insulate his nest against the cold. He kept a watchful eye on me as I took his photo.



There were still many Christmas trees in the park's parking lot that were waiting to be recycled into wood chips for mulch.  Grouped like this they retained their delightful pine fragrance and the aroma made me reflect awhile on good memories from the holidays.

Time passes, seasons change, and life goes on....



"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." ~ Ecclesiastes 3:1



I'm linking this post to Mosaic Monday, Blue Monday and Our World Tuesday and Outdoor Wednesday.  Many thanks to all the blog hosts.



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82 comments:

Barbara F. said...

Beautiful. ((hugs)) xo

Anonymous said...

I hope you can continue to take comfort in your walks and also the good wishes and support of your blogger friends.

Jojo said...

A beautiful post.

nannykim said...

The squirrel photo is great! Sorry to hear about your Mom; I find it is a blessing to think about all the memories and I am so glad I have some of the things my Mom wore, such as her wedding ring, a necklace, etc--they somehow keep the memories alive for me and bring me comfort. My Mom died over 31 years ago right before my daughter's birth. She came to know the Lord about a year before her death, so that was a comfort to me.

Anonymous said...

Such comforting hymn, Pat....I love it, too.

There's nothing that soothes the soul like a walk. Your photos are wonderful....I think you could win a award for the squirrel shot!! :)

It's just very, very hard to lose our moms at any age. Mine died nearly 9 years ago, right after Thanksgiving, and I still miss her so very much. You were lucky to have her so near by and such a presence in the lives of you and your family for so very long.

My thoughts continue to be with you......

L, Dana

La said...

Sending hugs your way, Pat.

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Sending more hugs your way.....

Chuckled at the squirrel photo...
Hugs,
Penny

Gracey is not my name.... said...

I'm so sorry for your loss...I've been a little behind in blog reading, so just read it today...

Kathleen said...

Beautiful, Pat. I am sure your mom was very proud of you and your family. Having her so close was a blessing, and I know you have enough good memories of her to last the rest of your life.
That squirrel wasnt talking with its mouth full i hope! :)

steviewren said...

Pat, I admire your faith and the gentle way you share it here on your blog.

Grace said...

Aww sweetie I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. Your post was beautiful and so touching. May your memories keep you smiling. Hugs Grace OOOOOO

Sarah said...

Beautiful, Pat. Nature is very calming and a good companion for feeding one's spirit. Thinking of you during this difficult time. I know you will miss your mom's presence, but will keep her close in your heart.
~ Sarah

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

What a beautiful post, Pat. I'm so sorry for your loss...it's never easy to lose a parent. Sweet hugs to you, my friend! ♥♥♥

A Garden of Threads said...

Sorry to read about your Mom, my thoughts are with you during this difficult time. hugs!!!

Sheila said...

You have been blessed to live so close to your dear Mother for so many years. On the walks you take she will be by your side and come to mind in so many ways. I hope that memories will comfort you in the days to come. Your squirrel photo is sure to put a smile on anyone's face who sees it.

Ginny Hartzler said...

The squirrel picture is just wonderful! It would be so good on a calendar or greeting card. I put something very similar to this verse on my mom's memorial bulletin, the one from Isaiah about running and not being tired. My prayers are with you at this time!

Gardening in a Sandbox said...

Pat I send you my sincere sympathy. I lost my Mother 5 years ago and I miss her. I just loved the photo of the squirrel. That was priceless. V

Carol said...

That shot of the squirrel is absolutely fantastic!
Beautiful post, Pat. Sending hugs, my thoughts are with you.

eileeninmd said...

Pat, I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. Your post is a lovely tribute to your Mom. Lovely photos, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Pamela Gordon said...

Beautiful post, Pat. I love the photo of the squirrel. I've never seen that before. Blessings to you. I hope you have a quiet week. Pamela

Michelle said...

Pat, I am a bit behind and did not know about the passing of your mother. My sincerest condolences.

Janie said...

Sending thoughts and heartfelt prayers. I lost my mother 2 years ago, and it is like yesterday. memories sustain us...I am so sorry for your loss.

podso said...

What a beautiful post ... the first photo of the clouds makes me think of my 90 year old mother, who frequently comments on the clouds in the sky.

Amazing you have lived on the same street all your life--so few can say that!

Hope you are continuing to adjust to your loss ...

Tanna said...

With all the squirrels in our neighborhood, I have never seen one gathering leaves like that! Wow! Great shot.

Sending big {{{hugs}}} your way, Pat. blessings ~ tanna

Buttercup said...

Blessings and hugs, Pat. You and your family are in my prayers.

Kim, USA said...

That's a lot of trees. I could only imagine the smell ^_^

Mosaic Monday

Cindy said...

That is why we all need friends, even if they happen to be people we have only met online.
I, too, find Nature to be calming and healing.
Your photos are wonderful, especially the squirrel.
Hugs, Cindy

Vee said...

Your mosaic is stunning. The squirrel photo is amazing. So clear and you caught him with just the right look of surprise.

Thank you for your sweet words. I love the thoughts you have expressed here.

Rajesh said...

Wonderful shots of the birds. But, my pick is shot of the squirrel.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

God Bless You, Pat... My sweet Mama has been gone since 1991 and I still miss her so much... I'm keeping you and the family in my prayers.

Great pictures..Nature is the best CURE for many things.
Hugs,
Betsy

The Gathering Place said...

What a beautiful post. I find solace in the beauties of natures, too, and it is nice to stop and remember the good things.

Anonymous said...

Lovely post Pat! Great photo of the squirrel!

Lorrie said...

I'm so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. What a blessing you've lived your life so close to her. Memories are sweet.

I too find solace in nature. Your photos are beautiful.

Hugs

Kris said...

Beautiful pictures! As always!!

Ciao Chow Linda said...

Pat - I'm glad you are able to find some comfort in taking walks and observing all the beauty of the natural world - something that has helped me too in your circumstance. Your photo of that squirrel is just adorable - it should be published elsewhere.

Willow said...

I had not known about your mom--I'm so sorry. Having lost my mom fourteen years ago, I know that while the grief settles, I still miss her. I know you are comforted knowing she is in heaven. Savor the walks.

Pondside said...

Walking under a sunny sky, observing nature up close and drinking in the cold winter air is a wonderful way to walk with your grief. Such a lovely post, Pat.

Ingmarie We said...

A lovely post as always. I am so sorry to hear about your mother. Sending you comforting hugs and warm thoughts.

Old Kitty said...

Oh Pat! I feel such sadness from your post! :-(

I'm glad there is wonderful nature around you in your big city to comfort you too. That squirrel pic is gorgeous! And it's so lovely to know that christmas trees are recycled widely.

Life truly does go on. Take care, Pat x

Lynn said...

A very nice post Pat! Lovin' that great pic of the squirrel, made me smile:@)

My name is Riet said...

What a beautiful post Pat. Love your collage and that lovely squirrel. Nature is very calming and so good you can go whenever you want. It will help in getting over your sadness I hope.
Have a good day.

Vagabonde said...

Beautiful and peaceful post, Pat. The squirrel pic is adorable. Nature is a great healer and brings solace.

Lovella ♥ said...

It is a season to mourn for you and yet you know that there will be days ahead when the grieving will turn to sweet memories that you will cherish.

I also find that nature is soothing to the soul when my heart is heavy.

Hugs to you dear Pat!

SmilingSally said...

Oh, Pat, isn't it wonderful to KNOW that Heaven exists? Thanks for sharing your blues.

Happy Blue Monday.

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Oh darlin', that beautiful little squirrel shot is award winnin' in my book. 'Just priceless.

I'm so sorry to hear ya lost your sweet Mama. Can't ya just imagine her dancin' with Jesus??? What a time she must be havin'.

I lost my Dad a little over a year ago, maybe they'll sing in the great choir together.

Sendin' hugs and comforting prayers your way sweetie.

God bless and have a beautiful day!!! :o)

Tracy said...

Bless you for being back here and sharing so much, Pat... Keeping you & your family in my thoughts & prayers ((HUGS))

Unknown said...

Beautiful photo.
Marit , Norway.

Judy said...

A beautiful post. May you be carried through this season of grieving...in the palm of His hand.

What great photos of God's creation. Love the squirrel shot!

cassandrasminicorner said...

Beautiful photos, so precious!

Visiting for Blue Monday! Here's my share- hope you can stop by:)

http://www.mommys4seasonsjourney.com/2012/01/mango-juice-and-strawberry-banana-smoothies.html

Sara at Come Away With Me said...

That squirrel is so precious with his mouth full of leaves and his perked up ears!

May you continue to find joy and comfort in the beauties of nature and the certainties of faith during this difficult period of learning to go forward without your Mom's daily involvement in your lives.

Skye said...

So sorry to hear about your mom. That is very sad. I know what you mean how nature has a way of calming the soul. I can't help but smile at the fat little squirrel with his mouth full of leaves. Sooo cute. Something so simple can sometimes bring a small happiness back into what was before a not-so-good day.

nanny said...

I can't believe you got that shot of the squirrel!! Funny.

One day at a time, that's all we can do. I hope yours get easier to endure very soon.

Melbourne Australia Photos said...

Lovely post. It is a consolation to go out there and look at the beauties of nature, thinking that perhaps our loved ones that have passed on are somehow there with us in spirit...

Joyful said...

I'm sorry to hear about your mother. But yes, what a comfort to have hope and know that you will meet again some day. Beautiful photos and I love the lyrics to the hymn.

Yvette said...

A wonderful post. Thank you, Pat.

Loved that industrious little squirrel. What a terrific picture. :)

Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes said...

Lovely post Pat, it brought tears to my eyes. Surround yourself with your loved ones. You are so right about time, seasons and life . . .

You have now idea how much that squirrel made me laugh! I have a handicapped brother who was sitting on a park bench reading his paper, drinking his coffee and eating his muffin . . . when he went to take another bite of his muffin guess who had it! Yup the squirrel nabbed it and was sitting on the ground munching on it and keeping an eye on my brother! LOL!!!

Dianne said...

the squirrel is adorable, what a wonderful catch

Marine Park is a great park to visit

hugs to you and your family

Leslie said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. You've expressed things so poignantly and it's clear that your mother was a very dear person. While the celebration is Heaven is a great one, I know that your sorrow is large also. Mothers are so special.
The sweet memories will last for always, and I hope that you find comfort in them.
My best wishes to you and your family as you navigate through this time of joy (in the celebration of a life well lived) and sorrow at the loss.
How wonderful and wise of you to find comfort in the beauty of nature!

Chubskulit Rose said...

Beautifully captured.

Please come and see my Blue, have a great week!

Betty said...

Very nice Pat.

RobinfromCA said...

Oh, Pat, I am so sorry. I didn't know until today about your mom. What a great blessing eternal life is and to know we will see our loved ones again. Your mom sounds like she was a lovely person.
Robin

Arija said...

The best way to learn and love your city is to shot it to others and blogging is a great venue. We always find out so much more about the things we love ny showing them to others.

That squirrel is priceless!

Gracie said...

Just come back from London, so sad to hear the news. I'm sure you have so many sweet memories of times together, cling to them being sure she will watch over you and your family with love.

Cathy said...

Oh, Pat, I'm so sorry to read about the loss of your mother. It was a blessing that you and your family could be by her side. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Claudia said...

I've been thinking of you each and every day - sometimes the hardest days come later. The post is beautiful - the squirrel is a hoot! And your photos show that January has its own beauty.

Beverly said...

Pat, you are your mother's legacy, and I know she must be so proud of you and your family.

Thank you for sharing your sweet mother with us.♥

Heather said...

Hi, my name is Heather! Please email me when you can, I have a question about your blog!

HeatherVonSJ[at]gmail[dot]com

SavoringTime in the Kitchen said...

Wonderful thoughts, Pat. It's wonderful hobbies like blogging and photography that help keep your mind from sadness.

Love that squirrel shot - priceless!

Nancy said...

So sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. It is wonderful that even though you live in the city you have a place like the Salt Marsh Nature Center to observe nature and calm your soul. I love the squirrel with a mouth full of leaves!

Jeanne said...

Pat, I am sorry I haven't been to visit sooner. My cousin Bob is here and I have had little time for visiting I am sad to say. Your family has been in my prayers when I saw your Facebook about your mom. The photo of your mom and dad is precious. a very pretty and handsome couple. Having lost my parents some time ago I know only too well the sadness of your loss.

There is comfort in knowing they are together now. I am so glad you found peace in your walk at the park. Nature has a way of bringing calm to our lives in so many ways.

Blessings and love, Jeanne

Unknown said...

Nice scenes you got there. I love the snaps the beauty of the nature. And I’m sorry to hear about your mother. Doing something like will keep your mind off from work. Sapphire Rings .

The French Hutch said...

Oh Pat, what a beautiful tribute to your Mom. My heart feel heavy reading your last two posts because I have also gone through this. This scripture is what brings peace for us.
You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

~Emily
The French Hutch

diane b said...

It must be hard for you and your family as she lived so close by. Nothing better than a peaceful walk with nature to help you grieve. I love the cheeky squirrel with his load of leaves.

Cecilia Artista said...

Beautiful pictures!
The photo of the squirrel is fantastic!

Lisa@GrandmasBriefs said...

Hugs and more hugs to you, Pat.

That squirrel photo has got to be the very best I've seen in a long time. Thank you for the smile.

Just a little something from Judy said...

My heart hurts for you. I know how it feels to live close to your mother, and I also know how very much you miss you. We lived close to my dad and mother for so many years. After my father passed away, it seemed so difficult to have that deep hurt in our hearts every time we saw their home.

Your nature pictures are beautiful! You are right, there is something so calming and peaceful about nature.

I wish you my most sincere sympathies during this difficult time of your life.

Deborah Kay at The Paint Splash said...

Absolutely LOVE the shot of the squirrel! Blessings, Debbie

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

That squirrel is hilarious! What a ham! heehee! ♥♥♥

Donna said...

Pat, I'm so sorry for the loss of your mother. My deepest sympathy. This is a beautiful post.

Hugs,
Donna

Tara said...

Dear Dear Pat

I haven't been blogging for awhile but often stop here to take a peak at your wonderful growing blog...I want to send my condolences on the loss of your Mom...having your Mom in your daily life is such a gift, I'm lucky to have the same...but both my parents say when they are no longer with me would I please return them to Park Slope! I'm so glad you ahve your family to console you! Peace for you! Tara

From Beyond My Kitchen Window said...

Dear Pat, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. What a lovely post. Thinking of you.

rochambeau said...

Sending healing thoughts your way, Pat!
xox
Constance