19 April 2009

Mom

I inherited my mom’s dark brown hair color, but none of her curl. She kept her hair short and the natural waves swept across her forehead and curved around her ears. Her hazel eyes could be piercing, and near the end of her life they were her most striking feature. She lost her hair multiple times because of chemotherapy and each time her hair grew back, it would come in grey and with increased curl. For the weeks and months in between, she wore hats. She had a favorite black hat that she wore most of all. It was classic, with a small brim and a thin ribbon tied into a small bow. As she lost weight, the hat became too big. It would fall low on her forehead, almost covering her vibrant eyes that shown out from the gaunt sockets. Her eyes seemed to glow with health and wellness while her surrounding face was translucent and dull with sickness. Before cancer, she had a natural flush in her cheeks—a natural flush from raising seven children, from working hard, from loving, and laughing. My mom had rose-colored cheeks that came from living.

4 comments:

Rebecca said...

Laura, this is beautiful:) I'm sure your mom is smiling right now and seeing so much of her in you. You have such a talent with words...remember that in all that you do!

Marilyn Lewis said...

I love this post Laura. I can hardly wait to meet your Mom someday! I feel like I know her a little bit from getting to know the amazing children she raised. I'm so glad you are all a part of our lives.

Louise Plummer said...

I hate that you have to write about your mother in the past tense.

Erin Willis said...

I loved your mom. I hope you don't mind that I found you from Lisa's blog. I hope you're doing well. Erin (Butler)