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Dear Reader A little apology – Because last newsletter was a week late, I decided to keep to my schedule and share this newsletter on my Tuesday, as per normal. But I’ve written this on Mother’s Day so I’m sending it out today, two days early! I’ll be back on schedule next time I promise! Mother’s Day
I’m writing this on Mother’s Day because thoughts of my Mama have been with me since I woke up. This photo was taken not long before she died. Mum had vascular dementia and it was a rare moment of engagement. My sister and I tried to coax her into a smile and we were rewarded with this beautiful memory. Mum had a lot of sayings and one that has stayed with me is: Cast your bread upon the waters It’s been a philosophy that inspires me in the way I share with others. And, I have never gone hungry or experienced lack of anything I’ve willingly shared. It’s been over 22 years since Mum left us. I speak with her often, as one does with those who have departed us. And I’ve come to understand her more than I did in life. For that I am grateful. Love you, Mama. Thinking of Mum leads me to think of other women who have been influential in my life. There are many. One of these is Maria. When I lived for a short time in San Diego, Maria and her husband were caretakers in my apartment building. They were illegal immigrants from Mexico. They had a vision of a better life for their son and daughter. In Mexico, her husband was a professional man, well educated and fluent in English. Maria herself had very little English. Her children were becoming fluent through their schooling. I have to admit my Spanish was very rudimentary. I could say Hello, How are you, Very well thank you. But not converse. Through my friendship with Maria, I experienced the language where hearts speak to one another. She invited me to breakfast with her one day and there, seated at the table together, she placed an urn between us. With the sweetest of smiles, she touched the urn and, pointing to me, she said: Mama, mi amiga, Stephanie. Then she pointed to the urn and said: Stephanie, mi Mama. We didn’t converse in words the other understood. But I knew I was honoured to meet her mother and that she treasured our friendship so that she would share me with her mother. Maria and I had only a few months together but she and her family have stayed in my heart and I often think about them and wonder how life has panned out over the past nearly 20 years. Perhaps her husband has found work that respects his learnings. Perhaps they have been granted US citizenship. Perhaps Maria is a grandmother by now. Whatever, my heart hopes she and her family are safe and happy. UpdateI wrote last time about some health challenges. I’m happy to report that I am much improved and have started back at the gym, taking a little longer walk every day, and generally experiencing joy without too much seeking! May this find you well and happy and well connected with loving friends and family. With love My thoughts for Living Life in 2025 and beyond: “Cast your bread upon the waters and it will Doris May Payne – my mother “Life is a Daring Adventure or Nothing” Helen Keller “Write it on my heart that every day is Ralph Waldo Emerson “Remember that sometimes not getting “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave [person] is not [the one] who does not feel afraid, but [the one] who conquers that fear.” Nelson Mandela Read past Newsletters and, if you enjoy them, please share with your friends and encourage them to subscribe http://www.StephanieHammondAuthor.com Join my Reader’s Group on Facebook. FOLLOW ME Like, post and comment at any of |
Inspiration from my Mother and thoughts of a friend
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