The strangest thing happened to me today. I was meeting my uncle, my mom's younger brother, for coffee. It had been a while since I had seen him, maybe even the two years since my mom died, I'm not sure. A while. I sat down and looked over at him and I was hit by a bolt of lightening.
Those eyes.
Before my uncle had spoken a word I began to weep. I couldn't help it. Those sparkling green/brown hazel eyes alive in front of me. I had missed looking into them so much. It was overwhelming to the point that I had to look away. I tried to compose myself. Took a break to grab a tissue. Pulled myself together. But they were still there.
Her eyes.
It made me feel closer to her and miss her deeply all at the same time. It made the distance of time's passing seem insignificant because the pull of family and the connection of something deeper and indefinable was in front of me.
Her legacy runs deep and varied in the blood of all who came before her and after.
I saw this today with my own eyes.
Eyes like my own.
Eyes like my sister.
Eyes like my daughter.
Eyes like my uncle.
My mother's eyes.
WOW....just Wow
Exactly.
speaking of eyes, mine have just welled up Jen...sounds like it was a worthshile, yet bittersweet meeting.
Our family has eyes that run deep too. all three of us siblings have been recognized - by absolute strangers - by the shape/colour of our eyes...;)
That's so beautiful, Jen. I think it's so appropriate that you recognize your mother's eyes in so many family members, because it seems that you all "see things" a little differently because of the woman that she was, and what she meant to all of you.
Beautiful, Jen. Thanks for sharing.
I know it's hard.
And I hope you can take comfort in discovering how much of her remains here, right around you and in you, in who you are and who you love and how you live.
ox Pam
It's both hard and wonderful to have those reminders.
I hope some days it feels comforting to know she's in all of you and always with you that way.
Oh Jen...no words, just a tear or two - because I know.
After my grandma died I kept thinking now the eyes are gone....theirs were identical.
Now it's just me with those same eyes...but looking in the mirror doesn't cut it.
big hugs.
Dad had the same eyes. So I know what you mean. *sniff*
Oh Jen I know what you mean. We all have my mom's eyes and they are unmistakably hers. Very hard and painful moment for you. xoxxo
But so wonderful, Nancy. It was the strangest combination of sadness and elation.
So beautiful, Jen.
Awww, Jen... thanks for sharing that. Sending you bone-crushing hugs. xox
"A hundred year old photograph
stares out from a frame,
and if you look real close you'll see
our eyes are just the same."
I love this, Racheal. It is exactly how I felt. Amazing to feel that kind of connection.
I know that feeling. that pain and longing that lingers in our hearts - only to be brought out by the most surprising things...a very moving post, Jen.