My mother died this week after a long life and a short struggle with cancer. Although she was 87 and her health had been in decline, I am still in shock.
Mom loved plants, trees, flowers of all kinds, and gardening. I know she would have enjoyed these beautiful cherry trees that have been blossoming this month at the Parco Lago dell'EUR in the southern part of Rome.
The cherry trees were planted by the Japanese embassy in Rome more than 50 years ago.
When I saw them, it reminded me of the poem by A.E. Housman "Loveliest of Trees, the Cherry Now".
Loveliest of trees, the cherry now
Is hung with bloom along the bough,
And stands about the woodland ride
Wearing white for Eastertide.
Now, of my threescore years and ten,
Twenty will not come again,
And take from seventy springs a score,
It only leaves me fifty more.
And since to look at things in bloom
Fifty springs are little room,
About the woodlands I will go
To see the cherry hung with snow.
10 comments:
Sandra, my condolences. It must be very difficult for you at present. At least your mother's battle was short. Take care of yourself. Dorothy
How beautiful. All those blossoms are the spirit of your mom, and are there to ease your way.
Lovely blog remembrance for your mom Sandra. I'm so sorry to hear she is gone, yet pleased to hear her struggle was short.
What a difficult start you've had to 2013. Working through that haze of shock and grief and finding the strength to heal, will be a challenge. From what I know of you, Sandra, you will get through this...
See you in May!
Dear Sandra,
I am so sorry to read this. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. I am glad that you were able to recently go back and spend some time with her.
Take good care!
love,
susan
Thanks, DeeBee, it has been a comfort to know that Mom wasn't in pain or fear.
Vicky, thank you - that's such a lovely thought, and I know Mom would love being part of the blossoms.
Heidi, thank you for your confidence in my ability to cope. I'm feeling a bit wobbly just now, but I know things will get better. See you in May!
Thanks so much, Susan, I really am so glad that I was able to get back to spend some good time with Mom before she left.
Sandra, this is a beautiful remembrance post. I'm glad that you were able to spend some time with your on your visits home. It must have been very comforting for the both of you.
The blossoming flowers in your photos are so beautiful and what a lovely reminder of all the wonderful memories of your mom.
Take care.
Thank you very much, Kathy. I know Mom would have loved these trees. I hope that all is well with you!
You have had one hell of a start to 2013 (well,with the exception of a happy day at the Borghese and prosecco watching the crowds go by but that seems a distant memory). Here's hoping for some better days ahead.
Indeed, Jerry! The year began so well that I'm not giving up hope!
Sandra, I'm so sorry to read this. Best wishes to you and I hope you're doing okay. I'm so glad you were able to spend time with her. Take care, Annie
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