 |
|
|
|
|
Mignon Ann Bloch For the Eulogy - please click here In Loving Memory - 14 April 2007 6 years has now passed and much has changed in our family over the last year. Today I spent more time thinking about my mother than usual, but she's never far from my mind. This anniversary, the photos have been left unviewed for the first time. I just wanted to contemplate my mother's life and her impact on me without seeing the photos of her taken just days before her passing. My thoughts continually went back to the late 70's and very early 80's; when my world seemed comparatively safe; sheltered from most of the evils and instability that were yet to come. The skeletons had not yet started rattling loud enough for me to be aware of them, thanks to the protection of my mother and father. My mother at that point ran a business, but she always made an effort to be home for us when we came home from school. She always took an interest in our day's events, a genuine interest. If we were upset, no matter how insignificant the issue, she was there to listen and offer advice. At that point in our life, we were allowed to start to roam a little, exploring the area in which we lived. We were fortunate enough to live very close to forests, where I spent much of my time - exploring and learning to love animals and nature in general; and to want to protect the environment. My mother and father greatly supported and encouraged me in these interests. We always had clean clothes to wear, a clean house, good food, good education and good health care. We were taught to respect others and other important lessons in etiquette. These issues were important to my parents and I'm always grateful for the things I had that so many others did not; even if I was unappreciative or ignorant of these privileges at the time. I can honestly say that my parents never did anything to consciously hurt me. I was always somewhat of a different kid, and would be described as "mildly eccentric" later in my life; but that I went off the rails for a decade commencing in my early teens was no fault of my mother's, or my father's for that matter. It just happened. It ripped my mother apart to see me as I was, to experience my outbursts; but she remained hopeful. That hope wasn't fruitless. My mother's continuing love was very important to me during my turnaround phase and the lessons of my parents during the 70's and early 80's, before my "dark days", served me well whilst getting back on track in the mid-90's. Parents can never tell how their kids will turn out - it's one of the reasons I've never had children of my own. The prospect of seeing my offspring go through what I did, or have them put me through what I put my mother and father through sends shivers down my spine; especially knowing that the majority never come back from where I went. Without the support of my mother and father, I may never have returned. Good mothers are very special people - and mine was one of the best. I
still miss you Mum. Thank you for my safe, loving and privileged
childhood. Thank you for waiting for my return from the darkness and
having faith in me. I hope there is nothing but light wherever you are
now. |
 |
|