Betty Hinshaw
1943 – 2006
Some of you may have noticed I didn’t post on Friday. That is because we laid my mother-in-law to rest yesterday (Friday). She didn’t care for the ‘in-law’ part, so I just called her Mom and she just called me son.
Friday was bitter-sweet. Mom had been struggling against cancer and was in a lot of pain the last few months. We’re relieved to know she is free from that now. Still, we will miss someone who was so full of life and shared that life so freely with others.
Emotions are raw in times like this. You find yourself compelled by love and grief to tears and to laughter.
Compelled to silence.
Compelled to share stories.
Compelled to hold each other.
Compelled to reflect alone.
Find those moments, by which we are continually surrounded unaware. The everyday moments in which love can compel you. Don’t stop after the wedding, don’t wait for the funeral. Mom didn’t, and that’s one of the things we’ll miss most.
Mom, to quote the song you sang to your children and then to your grandchildren, “We love you, a bushel and a peck.”
Goodnight.
Dustin, I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful post on your mother-in-law….I can see what she meant to you. My thoughts are with you and your family, and I understand only too well what you must be feeling. Take care….
Dustin,
Just wanted to say I’m so sorry to hear of your mother in law’s passing. She was so young, it’s just not fair. My thoughts are with you in this difficult time.
Laura
My deepest sympathies, Dustin
My thoughts are with you and your family.
Dear Dustin, my heart is with you.
You honored Betty in a beautiful way with this posting.
Michael
Thank you all for your encouragement. I can truly say that this has been an eye-opening experience. It has challenged my faith and I feel I am better for it. I have found that I can have peace with death and resign myself to the mystery surrounding it.
On Friday we celebrated a life full of love and a long-awaited homecoming. It seemed an appropriate and meaningful ceremony in honor of her memory.
i was seaching for the words to i love you a bushel and a peck because my mom sang it to her children she passed five years ago …the last day of her life my sister and friends were at her bedside in the hospital and the sang songs and of course this was one they sang. she lived a long life and was ready to go home.
my thoughts and prayers are with you..
Thanks Ed. I shared your words with the family and they were very touched. I also found out that the song is taken from Guys and Dolls.
You can find a CD at Amazon.
or you can download the song from iTunes as well.
I think these are some of the things we can hang onto and cherish in the absence of loved ones. I’m grateful for that.