I love this painting by Miriam Escofet of her own mother. She seems to be reflecting my own feelings of awareness of how fleeting life is. She is in tune with the present and seems to be lost in memories.
Perhaps she is feeling nostalgic, missing the noisy chatter of children and grandchildren at breakfasts past as she sits alone at table, finger tracing the circle of her cup.
Like her cup, her mind goes round in circles as she remembers years of meals and late night cuppas shared with her husband as they discuss news du jour and their children. Or waited for them to come home.
With years of devotion to her family and endless prayer, she raised her brood and was matriarch and beloved wife- yet now that busy life has come full circle and she sits at tea alone.
No calls to see how she is going, no cards to remember her on Mother's Day- her endless love and bountiful giving now return to her void- a lonely circle.
Her sharp mind continues, her kind heart endures, but her body once strong now too has come full circle as her strength disappears.
She sees no one now and her love and wisdom is rejected by those who themselves were very wanted, and who started their own life in the nurturing circle of her womb.
© Glenys Robyn Hicks
Do not cast me off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength is spent. Psalm 71:9
Hi, I'm visiting from Purposeful Faith. You are my neighbor there. This is really beautiful, yet heartbreakingly sad. I'm not at that stage of life yet, but it is a great reminder to not only look out for my own parents, but also to invest time into the lives of other lonely and aged people. By the way, have you ever seen the 1937 film "May Way for Tomorrow." I'm a classic film addict, and that film is one of my 10 faves of the whole 1930's. It's a tearjerker about an older couple, whose children have largely cast them aside---yes, even in 1937, such a film was made. I highly recommend it, as it really reflects your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Patti @ Clothed with JOy
Thank you for that recommendation, Patti. I will look it up. Blessings!
Deletea beautiful painting and sentiment. God never forgets us, no matter what age.
ReplyDeleteSue, that's the comforting thing to remember. How wonderful that the loving heart that has been faithful for countless years and is now breaking and lonely, is loved and cherished by He Who sees! thanks for sharing a cuppa with me today. Blessings!
DeleteThis makes me so glad that my mom was able to live with us her last few years. It breaks my heart to think about all the moms who are lonely. It is the circle of life for us all though I guess but we know heaven is waiting for us at the end.
ReplyDeleteI think it is sad that we can't be able to look after our mother in her dotage. My mother suffered from dementia and in the end needed a nursing home. I hate the way mothers and fathers are forgotten about generally. It would behove us all to remember to honour our parents- it's the only commandment with a promise. So glad that your mother had her family when she needed it the most. Blessings!
DeleteThis has very much touched my heart as Jeremy lives in another country and the loneliness is harder to bear. Much love Glenys
ReplyDeleteI would hate that: yet two of my own adult children live a couple of hours drive from me and I never hear from them. Mercifully, two of my other children ring me a lot, which is a comfort. I feel for you, Mona. Blessings and love to you!
DeleteI find myself hoping that the woman knows her worth in God's estimation and is turning her eyes toward a good future of pouring herself out for those who need her.
ReplyDeleteYes, I feel she has a tale to tell... thanks for taking tea with me today, Michele!
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