Yesterday I photographed these Showy Milkweed blooms in a summer rain. I’d gone up into the Wasatch Mountains to seek some solitude even though it was cloudy.
Showy Milkweed in a summer rain – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/640, ISO 2500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
You see, yesterday my mom’s ashes were placed next to my step-father’s, and unfortunately my sons, William and Chris, and I couldn’t be there in Virginia when she was placed to rest in their eternal niche. My niece, Kristal, was present, and she, along with some of her friends, held a loving ceremony for my mom.
My niece, Kristal
As for me?
I had a strong desire to be in a canyon that my mom fell in love with when she visited me in Utah for the last time in 2018, during the small ceremony in Virginia. She adored the scenery up there – the birds, the animals, and all the wildflowers. Mom would sit in the backseat of my Jeep, and we’d both photograph whatever we found. She often spotted as many birds as I did, which, if you have ever ridden with me, you would know is quite an accomplishment.
Showy Milkweed and a raindrop – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 2500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Mom would “ooh” and “ah” over the wildflowers, animals, clouds, sky, mountaintops, and birds. We talked about them, life, and how much we loved nature. We had so much fun together.
I am so very happy she was able to make that last trip out to Utah, that I was able to visit her in Virginia in 2019, and that I was able to spend time with her daily after she was placed in hospice care.
Yesterday I saw the scenery that she loved. I saw sunshine, billowy clouds, dark rain clouds, stormy weather, and falling rain. At the time the ceremony was occurring in Virginia not only was there rain falling in the mountains, my tears were too. Maybe the earth was crying with me.
You can rest now, Mom. Love you, now, and forever.
Mia
Click here to see more of my wildflower, shrub and tree photos.
A very nice tribute. Your mother did a great job inspiring your love of nature. She will always be with you and enjoying nature through you.
A good legacy and tribute for a good mom. May she continue to surround you with her love.
The canyon will be there to remind you of the happiness you and your mom were able to share during her visit each time you visit it.
….sounds like mom was with you yesterday. Those we love are not far
When I’m sad or hurting, I head for the countryside & nature. It is always healing. I’m glad you could spend the time in the mountains where your mom & you found so much enjoyment.
I was so sorry when I heard about your mom’s passing. It’s clear that she meant the world to you, and I can tell from your blog post how much you loved her.
I’m glad that you were able to find some solace in the Wasatch Mountains yesterday. It sounds like your mom would have loved being there with you, surrounded by the beauty of nature. The fact that you saw sunshine, billowy clouds, dark rain clouds, stormy weather, and falling rain all in one day is a reminder of the power of nature, and how it can reflect the full range of human emotions.
I can also imagine that the rain was a way for you to express your grief and loss. It’s okay to cry, and it’s even okay to feel angry or sad. Your mom would want you to be happy, but she would also want you to allow yourself to feel your emotions.
I’m sure that your mom is at peace now, and that she’s watching over you. She will always be in your heart, and you will always have the memories of the time you spent together.
What a wonderful place to go on this sad day. Hugs.