Every summer in my earliest years,
My mum aired a hand-sewn quilt
And placed it on my bed.
On sunny Sunday mornings,
We would trace a patchwork journey,
Each square a story
Of the girl my mum used to be
Before she belonged to me.
Mum met everyone with a smile,
A blossoming bud gleaming
With pink lipstick and sweetly scented
With powder from a compact.
She’d always stop to have a chat,
With a kind word for everyone
And a giggle that could melt
Even the hardest of hearts.
She knew the words to many songs,
Lullabied us with ‘Scarlet Ribbons’
‘Vespers’ and ‘Island in the Sun’,
The songs I sang to her
When the girlish smile I held so dear
Had become a faded flicker on her lips
And the touch of her hand
A mere brush of finger tips.
Kim M. Russell 2017
In loving memory of my mum, who died of pneumonia in the final stages of dementia on 9th January 2017 and was cremated on 8th February 2017.
Linked to dVerse Poets Pub Open Link Night after a week of no laptop due to a hard drive failure.
writing in north norfolk 
I am sorry for your loss but glad to see that your mother lives on in sweet memory.
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Thank you, Joseph. I’m still feeling raw but she is most definitely in a better place – dementia is cruel.
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It is terrible.
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I’m so sorry for your loss Kim but happy you still have such cherished memories of her.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
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Thank you so much, David, for the condolences and the hugs. It’s been a difficult couple of months but she is in a better place. She hated the care home and she hated what dementia had done to her. I was with her the day before she died, so I got to say goodbye to her – and I did sing to her.
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A beautiful tribute to your mum. When you visit my blog, please scroll to “The Long Goodbye”, which I wrote of my own mum.
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Thank you, Bev. I’ll pip over now to read it.
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I am so sorry for your loss Kim and your mum’s love lives on through you and your beautiful tribute xxx
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Thank you, Xenia. I’m glad to be back online – it really takes your mind off things.
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:o) xxx
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That was a beautiful poem to your mother. I am sorry for your loss.
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Thank you so much, Frank. And welcome to the dVerse family – nice to see you on the team.
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Sorry to hear of your loss Kim. This is a sweetly penned poem to a mum who obviously meant the world to you.Those songs will carry a melody of her memory with you wherever you go.
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Thanks Paul.
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So very sorry for your loss Kim. A mother is always dear, she will remain close to your heart, in your thoughts and memories together. Lovely poem.
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Thank you, Helene.
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A very Beautiful and Honorable Tribute to your Mum. 🌹
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Thank you, Dorna xx
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I’ll phrase it differently and say, sorry for your trouble. The sentiment is the same. It’s a touching poem. She’s certainly better off wherever she is; dementia is a terrible affliction.
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Thanks Jane.
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So sorry for your loss… and the slow passing is the most painful. Those final stage of dementia… so very sad… i’m glad you have those lovely memories.
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Thank you, Bjorn. I’m looking forward to getting back to regular writing – it’s good for the soul.
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I’m very sorry for your loss, Kim. This is such a sweet and loving tribute. I’m glad you have such wonderful memories.
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Thank you, Merril.
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Kim, that is so very touching. My thoughts are with you and your family. x
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Thanks x
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Condolences Kim ~ Her sweet memories will live on forever with you ~ Thanks for sharing the sweet photo and hope the internet and laptop are working now. Take care and see you soon ~
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Thank you, Grace.
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“We would trace a patchwork journey,
Each square a story
Of the girl my mum used to be
Before she belonged to me.”
I really miss my mommy. 😦 I’m so sorry you’re without yours, for now.
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Thank you, Iris.
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peace, Kim. sounds like she led quite a fulfilling life ~
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Thank you.
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So sad, so tender … and yet, what riches you have experienced. xx
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Thank you, Rosemary.
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My heartfelt condolences Kim. It’s hard to lose a parent. Your tribute is so heartwarming and sad.
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Thank you so much, Jacqui.
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A beautiful tribute Kim. My condolences to you.
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Thank you.
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Oh Kim, this is such a beautiful tribute.. big hugs!
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Thank you, Sanaa. I have been needing hugs a lot – probably will for some time to come – much appreciated.
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What a beautiful post. Sorry for the loss of your beloved mother. My grandad died from Pneumonia in the later stages of Dementia. My granny has Dementia now too, so know all too well the agonising pain you went through.
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