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Carolyn J Roberts's avatar

It's coming up to the second anniversary of my Mum's death, (and it's eighteen months since Dad died...) and, like you, I miss them both so much. Having been lucky to have got to 60 and still had both parents, I feel their loss enormously. Like you, they never got to visit our new home, but I am endeavouring to grow some Lily of the Valley, (Mum's favourite flower and her namesake). I focus on the happy memories, and there were lots of them...but the grief never leaves, I just have to find ways to 'accommodate' it.... Beautiful words...

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Elizabeth Hannam's avatar

Thank you for reading Carolyn. I'm so sorry for your loss and loosing both your parents so close. I can't imagine. Sending so much love and strength ❤️

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Catherine Lynch& Glenn Collins's avatar

Beautiful! My mother too is a great gardener and has always given me plants for my gardens as I've moved from home to home in my adult life. Someday there will be a final trip from her garden to mine. ❤️ Thank you for the beautiful words.

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Laura Lewis's avatar

Such beautiful words Liz, and transplanting the plants that your mum cared for so that you can do the same sounds like such a wonderful and cathartic way of honouring her x

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Elizabeth Hannam's avatar

Thanks Laura, it really felt that way. It was like a tangible thread I could keep hold of in some way.

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Jenna Folarin's avatar

These are just beautiful words Elizabeth. I love how you find comfort in your mum's garden and you are carrying that comfort on with your own garden too. I think when we are outside that's often when we can feel closest to those we have lost.

My Dad passed away nearly 4 years ago also unexpectedly, and my grief journey takes many twists and turns. My mum still lives in my childhood home so whenever we visit her, I can feel him there. It's a bittersweet feeling and the sadness can just hit me when we are leaving.

The saying 'grief is love with nowhere to go' rings really true for me. Sending you love ❤️

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Elizabeth Hannam's avatar

It certainly is a journey of twists and turns. Thanks for sharing your thoughts ❤️

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Kaitlyn Rightmyer's avatar

Growing your own garden feels like such a lovely expression of your love for her and a beautiful way to honor her. I just love that you’ve brought over cuttings from hers to plant in yours. A space that you can both share together and be together. Grief is a measure of our absolute love, I’m holding you in the latter 🤍

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Elizabeth Hannam's avatar

Thank you so much ❤️ I love that "grief is a measure of our absolute love"

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Sarah's avatar

So beautiful. Thank you for sharing. What a special way to preserve your connection with and your love for your mum ❤️ xxx

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Elizabeth Hannam's avatar

Thank you for reading and taking the time to comment Sarah 🙏

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Bron Marshall's avatar

What a special way to keep your dear mum's spirit close to you. I'm sure your garden grows all the better too for holding her memory alive. Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt piece, I'm so very sorry she was taken from you all so prematurely. Arohanui 💓 Big Love xx

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Elizabeth Hannam's avatar

Thank you for your kind words Bron 🙏

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