Tuesday 6 September 2011

MIZPAH

Thankyou so much to those people who left a comment following my mum's death.  I have been overwhelmed by people's kindness and thoughtfulness, not just from family and friends but messages and cards from people I hardly know.  It is VERY comforting to know that people genuinely do care.  One blogger sent me a beautiful poem which I shall treasure.  The last few lines are

Be still.
Close your eyes.
Breathe.
Listen for my footfall in your heart.
I am not gone but merely walk within you.

My mum loved poetry, both to read it and write it.  After she died I found Christina Rosetti's poem 'Remember' bookmarked in four of her many poetry books she collected.  My daughter, Rosie, read this at her funeral.

In 2000 Mum had her poem 'Last Wish' published in a book.   We also read this at her funeral.  The Camel estuary is in north Cornwall where she served in the Wrens and she loved so much.  She requested that her ashes be scattered here.

LAST WISH

Lay me down in the Camel river
Where there's a sight of the sea,
And I shall rest
In the waiting west
Where I belong to be.

Let me lie in the Camel river
When the tide is easy and slow, And I shall sleep
In the dreaming deep
When it is time to go.

No mournful songs or sermons,
Only the sound of the sea,
And if larks ascending
Sing at my ending,
There's Heaven enough for me.


We also had Vaughan Williams' 'A Lark Ascending' played at her funeral.

I have titled this post MIZPAH.  Mum often wore a ring with these words on it.  Mizpah is an emotional bond between people who are separated (either physically or by death). Mizpah jewellery is worn to signify this bond, and the word "mizpah" can often be found on headstones in cemeteries and on other memorials. From Genesis 31:49 of the Bible "And Mizpah; for he said, The Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another."











15 comments:

  1. What a wonderful poem! She sounds like such a special person!

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  2. What wonderful poetry and the Lark Ascending is such a beautiful piece of music..one of my favourites and very moving. Take care Ruth, thinking of you and your family.
    Jo xx

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  3. Re Antiques Centre
    it is called Battlesbridge in Essex
    we live about half an hour from it so it makes a nice afternoon out.
    My sunflowers are still going strong I cut a good couple of inches of them before putting them in water and have to top up twice a day, try laying them in a bath of water for a while.
    Hope you are feeling stronger
    cate x

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  4. The ring is a lovely sentiment and something I did'nt know about. Your mum seemed a special person.

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  5. So sorry to rad about the passing of your dear mum. Lovely photos of her. The poems are beautiful - a loving and warm post despite your sadness. M x

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  6. "Last Wish" is such a beautiful and moving poem and how wonderful that it was published in a book too. I am glad that you have had so much support. I have been amazed at how many people who blog that are there to offer kind words when it is needed.
    Abby x
    ps. I have sent you an email regarding your holiday next month.x

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  7. Lark Ascending is one of my favourite pieces of music too and so fitting to accompany your Mum's lovely poem.
    Mizpah indeed...
    Julie x

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  8. Oh Ruth I am so sorry about your Mother having passed away. Your Mother must have been a very special person indeed. The ring is a lovely personal thing to keep, especially with its meaning.
    Take care, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
    Isabelle x

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  9. I don't remember you telling me about the ring but that's lovely, and very fitting that you should wear it now. Also that poem that someone sent you sounds lovely, as is the photo of you and Grannie at the end.
    Lots of love Mumsy.
    X

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  10. Hi Ruth,
    Thank you for sharing your mums beautiful poem with us i loved it, i will now think of you and your mum when i here 'Lark Ascending' such a beautiful piece,i have also never heard of 'Mizpah'i think it is a wonderful sentiment,loving the picture of you two together she looks a true sweetheart,
    xx

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  11. I have discovered your blogg at such a sad time for you.

    Nevertheless, I have looked back through your posts and have not hesitated to become your newest follower.

    Anna

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  12. Beautiful poem, post and tribute to your mum.

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  13. I was looking for information on Mizpah and came across your site. By coincidence I live 5 miles from the Camel River. I am really touched by the poem.

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