Our mothers could have been twins… the hair, the backdrop of stories, and the enduring impact in every thread of our history. It also took my Mama ~20yrs to reclaim my bedroom real estate for her own use. How grateful I am for these remarkable women with their long plastic arms and deeply generous hearts. Beautiful story; she would be happy (you're writing).
I long for a relationship with my mom and sister like yours. I have tried to connect more deeply - even superficially could be better - for over 30 years. I am grateful to you for sharing this gift of her and your love so openly. She obviously did her job perfectly in the legacy she left. I know she'd be proud of you as we all are. Thank you for this lovely gift.
Jory, my hearts both breaks and fills reading your words. Joy was the mothership we all gravitated to. Your words filled me with the joy of Joy. What a gift to have found her upon my way and in turn found you. All of the Js are being held especially close to my heart today. Thank you and yes, you will be fine. ♥️
As a mother of 4, I hope my kids will be able to condense our relationships in such a positive way. I commended my mother in the preface of my first book -- how she loved writing -- even if it was only to penpals and keeping our spelling and grammar in check. She was a typist extraordinaire winning awards for her speed and perfection in school (yes, those things did happen) and willing to type school papers. But my first book including that acknowledgment was published after she died. I don't know that I said thank you nearly enough when she was with me. But now as a mother to adults, I wonder what they think at times. Sometimes, I get feedback or a request for help. I hope that means we are okay and that my arms, like Elastigirl and your mother, are elastic enough.
That was a beautiful post about a beautiful human being. What an amazing mother.
It makes me reflect on my own early life. My mother was very much not like yours. She loved me in her way--but it was a love made of sharp edges of judgement and domineering attempts at control to make sure we did things right. I can see now--30 years later--that this all came out of an attempt to protect us from a world of suffering that she had grown up in, but that she had then partially replicated in her fears.
I didn't really understand what/how these amazing mythical mothers existed as a kid--it seemed more like an aspiration rather than a reality--until I met my (future) wife and saw how she was with her kids. How amazing and caring and supportive and generous she was with them . How patient she was with them even though patience was something she often didn't give to herself. I marveled at her in this--about how beautiful she was as a mother and human being.
I'm so happy that you had this throughout your life--because it is amazing. I'm also sorry for your loss. We are at that point in time when parents are going to start disappearing from our physical presence only to live on in our memories and thoughts. But I shall now remember your mom and her long plastic arms with fondness too.
Our mothers could have been twins… the hair, the backdrop of stories, and the enduring impact in every thread of our history. It also took my Mama ~20yrs to reclaim my bedroom real estate for her own use. How grateful I am for these remarkable women with their long plastic arms and deeply generous hearts. Beautiful story; she would be happy (you're writing).
Such a wonderful and loving tribute to your mom that only you JDJ could write ❤️
This is such a beautiful post, Jory. So beautiful. Brought tears to my eyes and gave me goosebumps.
Jory, what a beautiful article. I feel like I got to know your mom through your words. She was amazing and she had good reasons to be so proud of you.
For her memory, and for the benefit of all of us, please keep writing.
Gorgeous sentiment. Your mom was the best.
Wow. This is lovely.
I long for a relationship with my mom and sister like yours. I have tried to connect more deeply - even superficially could be better - for over 30 years. I am grateful to you for sharing this gift of her and your love so openly. She obviously did her job perfectly in the legacy she left. I know she'd be proud of you as we all are. Thank you for this lovely gift.
Oof Jory, that last line 😭 You (and your siblings) were Joy’s joy ❤️
Jory, my hearts both breaks and fills reading your words. Joy was the mothership we all gravitated to. Your words filled me with the joy of Joy. What a gift to have found her upon my way and in turn found you. All of the Js are being held especially close to my heart today. Thank you and yes, you will be fine. ♥️
As a mother of 4, I hope my kids will be able to condense our relationships in such a positive way. I commended my mother in the preface of my first book -- how she loved writing -- even if it was only to penpals and keeping our spelling and grammar in check. She was a typist extraordinaire winning awards for her speed and perfection in school (yes, those things did happen) and willing to type school papers. But my first book including that acknowledgment was published after she died. I don't know that I said thank you nearly enough when she was with me. But now as a mother to adults, I wonder what they think at times. Sometimes, I get feedback or a request for help. I hope that means we are okay and that my arms, like Elastigirl and your mother, are elastic enough.
That was a beautiful post about a beautiful human being. What an amazing mother.
It makes me reflect on my own early life. My mother was very much not like yours. She loved me in her way--but it was a love made of sharp edges of judgement and domineering attempts at control to make sure we did things right. I can see now--30 years later--that this all came out of an attempt to protect us from a world of suffering that she had grown up in, but that she had then partially replicated in her fears.
I didn't really understand what/how these amazing mythical mothers existed as a kid--it seemed more like an aspiration rather than a reality--until I met my (future) wife and saw how she was with her kids. How amazing and caring and supportive and generous she was with them . How patient she was with them even though patience was something she often didn't give to herself. I marveled at her in this--about how beautiful she was as a mother and human being.
I'm so happy that you had this throughout your life--because it is amazing. I'm also sorry for your loss. We are at that point in time when parents are going to start disappearing from our physical presence only to live on in our memories and thoughts. But I shall now remember your mom and her long plastic arms with fondness too.