PaulEuolgy for Barbie Hassing
May 20th 2007 22:54
This is the day we kidnapped mum from the rehab centre and brought her home to see her beloved garden. We thought she was on the mend from a stroke. You can see the tentative hope starting to replace the months of pain in dad's eyes. But mum had a brain tumour we didn't know about. We had such a happy day together. Then we lost her.
Mum’s character can be summed up in two sentences:
• I never heard her say a bad word about anyone.
• I never heard anyone say a bad word about her.
All my life, mum gave me love and showed me the meaning of guts, humour, determination, hard work and selflessness.
She was the perfect mother.
She survived the awful death of her first husband.
She loved her sons unconditionally.
She gave Dad the best 43 years of his life.
She accepted Fonnie as her own daughter.
She read my awful novel.
Unable to continue her life’s passion for golf, she turned without a word of complaint to her garden.
She endured a litany of medical problems without a syllable of complaint.
As the trainee nurse played ‘stick the needle in the patient’ with mum’s elusive veins, mum never uttered a sound.
When we told her how she’d cheated death in intensive care, mum said, ‘Strewth, I must have been crook!’
Now, mum lives on in me. I’m one of her cells that didn’t die.
I have her DNA but, unfortunately for me, strength of character is not hereditary.
I must therefore strive if I’m to emulate mum’s incredible example of a life lived with honour, valour, grace and wit.
If I’m only half successful in this quest, I’ll be satisfied.
Such is the phenomenal standard she has set.
If Barbara Hassing has touched you, chances are the effect has been lasting and profound.
Let us give thanks then, for having encountered a woman whose powers were at least mystical, if not divine.
No matter which way you cut it, Barbie was one top sheila.
I shall miss her forever.
END
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Comment by Nickoftime's Sanity Corner
that was one of the most beautiful eulogies I have ever heard...You Mum sounds like she was an incredible woman...
I can tell you must miss her tons...people like her are very rare in the world and you were damned lucky to have had her as a Mother...
But you did her justice Paul...this one made me cry...
Fantastic post,
Take care...
Your buddy,
Nick
Comment by Paul
Surreal Short Stories
Comment by Nickoftime's Sanity Corner
that's the reason why we treasure and love those that are dear to us...
No need to thank me...I only hope my euology will do me as good a justice as this one for your beloved Mum..
Take care,
Nick
Comment by D. Armenta
The Florida Keys and Everglades
The Black Sheep Chronicles
What constitutes bad manners?
The male mystique
Debate Fan
L.A.M.P.
That was a beautiful eulogy, Paul. I know she's proud.
D.
Comment by Paul
Surreal Short Stories
Comment by D. Armenta
The Florida Keys and Everglades
The Black Sheep Chronicles
What constitutes bad manners?
The male mystique
Debate Fan
L.A.M.P.
Comment by Marti
Christian Revolution
Really Long Link
You have a wonderful talent and I hope to see you in full fledged print one day!
*hugs*
Marti