Wednesday, June 16, 2010

B+W Wednesday: Nai Nai


My mom moved back to New England two years ago when Isabel was only two.
She is an amazing woman who raised the three of us as single mom.
She instilled within us a love for music, a sense of humor, the joy of storytelling and the importance of an education. She is tough and compassionate.
As they say... velvet steel.

She is also a survivor.
Almost eighteen years ago, she was diagnosed with a rare terminal disease.
She was given three months to live.
While her life has most definitely been compromised by the disease,
she has clearly beaten the odds.

This past year has been a rough one for her medically.
In September she had open heart surgery.
A month later, back surgery which resulted in serious complications.
Being halfway across the country was both frustrating and sobering.
There were days when I didn't know if I would ever see her again.

But...
she is a fighter who (in her own words) "gets her Irish up" at times.
I am so thankful to have her visiting with us this week.
She is Isabel's only grandparent.
It warms my heart to walk in the front door and see them together.

On Sunday I had a cook-out for her and invited a bunch of folks to celebrate with us.
Folks from the 19 years she lived here came to see their friend.
The joy was palpable.









the long road

19 comments:

Unknown said...

Beautiful story and beautiful pictures! Thank you for sharing. Happy Wednesday!

Anonymous said...

Your Mom sounds like a wonderful strong and loving women. I know you'll enjoy every minute of your visit together!

Formerly known as Frau said...

Your Mom is one tough Irish women...she is a fighter...so happy she is still here and able to visit. Have a wonderful time.

Raymonde said...

Happy beautiful people all around. Looks good in B/W.

Your mum sounds like a great lady.

Loved looking at your blog especially the side bar with your little one growing.

Take care. xxx

fleur de lis cottage said...

What a beautiful mother you have. I love the joy and laughter you can see in these photos!

Love Letters To China said...

What a wonderful story about what seems to be an amazing person. So happy to hear she has beaten the odds. Looks like she is a beautiful person inside and out.

Unknown said...

Your mom is BEAUTIFUL! I love her smile. And I LOVE these pictures. Fantastically beautiful! Just awesome. You are getting so good! Way to go!

Courtney said...

A truly lovely post! The pictures are beautiful!

Mary Lou said...

You have a beautiful story and blog. I'm a new follower. Glad I found you at B&W Weds.

Karli @ The Bonnie 5 said...

What a wonderful story about your mother! Beautiful pictures, and you can see everyone's joy shining through! :-)

Lynn said...

I hope you continue to have a wonderful visit with your mom. I love everybody's smiles - you must have been having a great time.

Wanda said...

What an awesome Mom you have. That's some good genes to be coming from. Your pictures tell a great story. Beautifully.

And you go girl with the new bad boy camera. Way to go!

the meaklims said...

So much joy in these pictures. And your Mum sounds amazing.

As a newbie toy our blog, I totally get your header, your daughter has the most beautiful happy smiling eyes ever. She's precious.

Jill

Kim said...

Thanks for stopping by today! What a beautiful post for your mom and I really enjoyed the pictures,looks like a great time was had by all.

Ashley Sisk said...

What a wonderful stories with beautiful pictures! Kinda brought tears to my eyes.

Maddy said...

What a beautiful tribute to your mom! She is a survivor and an inspiration! Glad you were able to do something special for her and that so many loving faces where there to visit with her too!

Unknown said...

beautiful people, excellent work.

Unknown said...

Thanks for stopping at my blog; hope you come back again soon!

What a fun photo story! Also, your daughter is just too cute.

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

Your Mom sounds like an AMAZING woman....... What a fighter!!

It looks like you had a great celebration.... You can see the joy in everyone's face.....what a wonderful week for you!!! I am sure you made the most of every minute:)

I am so far behind. Do you believe I am now just getting to BW Wednesday posts from last week? I need more hours in a day!!

Have a great week....... How was your trip to the book store yesterday?