Last Saturday, I spent time with my mom, brother, brother-in-law, two sisters, sister-in-law, niece, nephew, great-niece, great-nephews, a Papillion, a Golden Lab, a Welsh Corgi, a cat of indeterminate origins, and some miscellaneous chickens.
As I’ve said before when you live far from your family, even the briefest visits bring the sweetest joy. (By the way, in next week’s follow-up Wisconsin blog you will see a video of me riding an out-of-control motorbike through a field. Don’t miss it!)
Randy and Debbie picked me up at the airport and when I got in the backseat of their car I saw one of their mugs as well as a mug for me, all prepared and filled with ice water, which they know I drink all day long. It seems like a small thing but to me it was huge, knowing they planned ahead to make sure my welcome was a warm one. (Well, okay. It actually an ice-cold one, but you get the idea.)
Debbie had my room lovingly prepared, complete with little snacks and fresh flowers by the bed. Randy knew I needed a chair for my blogging so he went out bargain shopping and found an extra comfy one for me–in fact, I am sitting in it at this very moment. My official Wisconsin Blogging Chair. (Thanks, Randy!)
Of course, the big highlight of the trip was being with Mom.
Thankfully, she was able to up and about for part of the day although she is eating less, and dropping some weight.
Many times, she could be found in her chair by the window, reading her Bible. She is such an example for all who follow her.
One morning, I decided to pop her in the car and take her on a country jaunt.
Whenever we got to a place where the dusty roads intersected, I asked her to choose if she wanted to go straight, left, or right. She gave each option the thoughtful consideration it was due, looking carefully in each direction to see which one looked the most appealing. Her first road choice led us to a beautiful old barn set against a backdrop of the bluest sky.
Her second road choice took us to a metal soup can on a hillside. Yep. A soup can. Since Mom’s last name is Campbell, it was rather timely.
We also saw a tin cow with a milk can for its head. Mom’s eagle eye spotted the milk can; I wouldn’t have noticed that in a hundred years.
As we drove slowly along the quiet backwoods roads, there was a lump growing in my throat. The slow miles rolled along as Mom commented on various things–a bush decked out with lilacs, a stream flowing between green banks, a century-old house. As I listened to each of her softly spoken observations, I knew the time was coming when I would no longer hear that voice. I wiped tears as I drank in the miles, the moments, the indescribable joy of enjoying God’s creation with a mother who has loved His handiwork her whole life.
When we got back to the house I touched her arm and said, “I love you, Mom.”
She looked at me and said, “I love you, too.”
And then she added the words I will never forget. “This was our last ride together.”
I will never forget the ride, her voice, her hands, her love.
It’s strange how, when you know you’re close to losing someone, there will be moments and things that are said that you instantly know will stick with you always. I hope that you will remember her “I love you, too” just as keenly as you remember her saying that it will be your last ride together. You’re in my thoughts, Becky!
Kristina,
Yes, those two phrases definitely carry equal weight–I guess just equal weight of different kinds. The ongoing goodbye continues . . .
A trip you will never forget. How incredibly special!! It is such a blessing that your mom is still sharp and ‘eagle-eyed’. Thank you for sharing with your beautiful writing and photography skills ❤️
Lee Anne,
My and my eagle-eyed mom. 🙂 What a sweet jaunt.
We are privileged that you were sitting in our house in your special blogging chair writing this amazing, tear-inducing post. ♥️
I can just imagine going back and reading this post after mom has gone to Heaven and being thankful again for the gift of that day for you both. And the gift of your writing and photography skills for the rest of us so we can enjoy that day again!
Thanks again for making the trip up–we miss you!
Love, Deb
Deb,
Yes, I often think that all of these blogs will be so nice to go back and read in the days to come. There is so much one forgets as the years go by and I’m glad a few memories, at least, will be preserved.
Thanks for the hospitality and the Official Writing Chair!
Oh Becky, what a beautiful post….of course, as usual, you have me crying….I am SO glad you got to spend time with the family and especially time with your Mom, she sounds like such a lovely, sweet person.
Dale,
A lovely, and sweet person she is! So grateful for the time I get to spend with her last week.
I’m so happy for you, that you got that last ride.
Thank you, Jessie! I am so grateful for it.
Beautiful pictures of your ride with your mom. The sky is so bright blue. Thankful that you were able to make another visit to see your mom and extended family.
While my mom is not gone yet and isn’t on hospice, I miss things we used to do together. She was always my taste tester when I made deviled eggs for family dinners. The first time I made them was for the Easter gathering three of my church friends and i had. I had to decide myself if I needed more salt, mustard, etc.
Today I spent about three hours going through more pictures. There were two or three albums from their 50th wedding anniversary, their 73rd is June 4th. I still have some pictures I need them to look at to see if they can tell me who’s in them. Once that’s done, I think I may be getting close to having them all sorted. Then I’ll need to deliver or mail the ones to family and friends.
Phyllis,
I’m impressed! You are one of the few people I know who said they were going to sort through their family photos and have actually done it. My hat is off to you!
I love that your mom has been your deviled egg taste-tester. Such a sweet memory.
Becky I always love your words but these were most precious. As a person who has lost both a mother and a precious mother in law who was like a mother I can remember taking those last rides with both of them. The last one I took with my sweet mama she didn’t know my name but it was ok because I knew her 💔 praying for a sweet and peaceful journey for you sweet mama. God bless and thank you for sharing those precious words with your online family
Gail,
“My sweet mama she didn’t know my name but it was ok because I knew her.”
What wonderful words to describe the relationship you had with your mom. Love reaches far beyond memory.
So glad your mom-in-law was like a mother to you too, just like Vernie was to me. Such a blessing.
How precious!! What a blessing to know that you will see her again. Prayers for your heart.
Lisa,
I am thankful for my Mom memories and thankful for your prayers.
What a beautiful post!
I love the thoughtfulness of your sister and brother-in-love from the ice water to the blogging chair and the genuine hospitality. Their home is so lovely but I imagine that’s mostly due to the love in it!
The last ride…what a gift you have been given. My heart is both full and broken at your words. I love all the pictures! Hugs and love to all of you as she makes this journey Home.
Suzanne,
Yes, genuine hospitality is one of Randy and Debbie’s greatest gifts.
I’m so thankful for that memorable ride with my mom. Sixty minutes of time, frozen in my memory.
Such a beautiful post, Becky. So glad you had this special time with your family. Your mom’s going to be riding right by your side for the rest of your earthly days. I feel my mom by my side, and she passed on 7 years ago. I imagine if I could hear her voice, she’d be telling me to slow down, and avoid some obvious potholes! I realize with each passing year how much she is part of me.
Ann,
It’s amazing how we still hear the voice of our mothers whether they are living far away or already gone. There is so much wisdom to be gleaned from remembering all the things they’ve said over the years. I love your words about she is still such a big part ofyou.
I hope I can be half as wise with my own children.
Becky, thank you for sharing this trip! I enjoyed every moment of it, especially “the ride”. I loved that, and loved it for the two of you. ❤️
Melanie,
Thank you, friend! Such simple memories can be the most powerful and poignant. I’m grateful.
What a precious memory. You are amazing at this thing called life. The things you see and do and the love you show for God’s beauty around us….it touches my heart every time. Your mom is blessed to have a family like yours to love her to Heaven. My prayers are with you all as you drink in the sweetness and the memories of a Godly Mother.
Kaye,
That’s a wonderful way to put it. We are loving her to heaven. Thank you for your words and your encouragement.
That made me cry. Your mom is a beautiful person I can tell. I’m so glad you got this time with her
Michele,
She truly shines with a special beauty. Thank you for your words.
How thoughtful of your sister in brother-in-law to have icy water waiting on you and to even find a very comfy looking chair for your blogging. That last ride was such a precious gift for both you and your mother. And what interesting sights y’all found. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sue Ellen,
Yep. You get very high on my list if you provide me with ice water after a long trip! 🙂
Thank you so much for your prayers.
How wonderful to be able to ride with your mom – for the last ride on this earth. Such cherished moments. What a warm welcome for you (well, the icy water one too) – flowers and a snack. When I have folks stay with us I give them a piece of chocolate on their pillow. I also have a basket of toiletries for them so they don’t have to lug along those items if they are only staying a few days. Well, you were certainly welcomed and cherished. How fantastic to have so many come to see you – including the dogs and chickens. Love the picture too of her hands. That would be so beautiful to have it framed.
Sharyn,
Sounds like you are a hostess with the mostest–as my dad used to say. Hospitality is truly a gift.
Yes, I loved the hand photo, too.
What a beautiful, poignant post. <3
Greta,
Thank you. It was certainly a beautiful, poignant ride together.
Taking your Mom out for a drive was a great idea. She is lovely sitting in the car. Love the photo taken on the porch with beautiful lavender bush in the background. You’re a good daughter Becky Smith.
Gloria,
Thank you for your sweet encouragement.
The drive was so much fun and a memory I will keep forever.
A ride of memories to treasure. Prayers for you all as you prepare for the end.
Patti,
A ride of memories. I love that.
Hugs and prayers. It is difficult even though we know it’s not forever.
Guerrina,
Hugs and prayers always accepted. Thank you!
Becky – I read those words with tears streaming down my face. You are so blessed that you were able to take that last ride with your dear Mom. My love and thoughts to you.
Jan,
Yes, definitely a ride to remember. So thankful that she felt up to doing it. Hugs.
So beautifully written! My tears flowed as I read your mom’s words. Such an amazing woman. I am sorry that you face the future knowing you will lose another beloved parent soon. The Smith family has grieved so much. My heart goes out to you.
Liz,
Thank you so much for your compassion. We have been blessed with two wonderful memories for so many decades. It’s hard to imagine both of them being gone.
Becky,
What a wonderful post about your Mom. What an exquisite last ride the two of you had! It brought tears to my eyes. I am so thankful you were able to visit your Mom, sister, and brother in law!
My Mom has changes going on in her life as well. She is selling the family home and purchased a new home six blocks from my sister. She has lived in her current house for 65 years, she has been packing, donating, and throwing away many years of belongings. My sister, brother in law, niece along with her boyfriend spent two days last week helping her. The boyfriend drove his big truck along with a large trailer which was packed with plants in pots and outdoor furniture. My brother-in law brought over his truck as well. I only asked for one thing, my Christmas stocking my Aunt made by hand when I was two years old, it is hanging from my china cabinet since Mom said it needed to stay out for a year. My friends are amazed at the details and it’s made by hand. Mom is 95, but still has a lot of life left in her. I am sure it is heartbreaking for her moving from a well loved house and very large yard. Her new home is fully planted with shrubs so very little maintenance for her to keep up.
Sending prayers and love during this hard time.
Cindy,
So glad to hear that your mom has a lot of people to help her, and also it’s great she has a large trailer and truck at her disposal. Sounds like the Christmas stocking is a wonderful piece of handiwork; what a treasure that will be to you to have it.
I know she’ll love still having shrubs but no upkeep. Best of both worlds.
So glad the post was meaningful to you.
Dear Becky, Thank you for sharing about your trip to Wisconsin. Brought back so many memories of the last road trips with my mom. She’s been gone 2 years and I miss her wisdom especially now when it’s time to plant garden, although we did have frost this morning. Also other memories when hubby & I would ride motorcycle around Wisconsin. He always said Wisconsin had better roads to ride motorcycle than where we live in Iowa. Karen
Karen,
Yes, mothers have SO much wisdom–so much wisdom that is so missed.
Wisconsin truly has some beautiful roads. And being here late spring/early summer, the greens are so vivid. I am loving it!
Glad you have gotten to do some Wisconsin riding.
Wow very powerful. Makes me miss my mom whom passed away in 2012.
Debbie,
I know you have missed her every one of those ten years. Hugs to you.
Such a lovely post about your mom, your prepared room and your last ride with your mom! Thanks again for offering the autographed book that has a couple of your stories in it. I will cherish it always!
Donna,
Has the book arrived yet? I mailed it last Wednesday. I hope you enjoy all the smiles.