Helen (Zubeck) Marjerison
June 27, 1929 – May 11, 2013
I can still see your wicked smile and peals of laughter radiating from your energy reservedly holding in the naughtiness below the surface. With everything you have been through, it is remarkable to me that you managed to carry on with any sense of normalcy and grace…but you did. I wish I had treated you better when you were here on earth and I wish I had respected your feelings, and taken the time to understand your wants, needs, and desires. Oh how I wish I could do it over, hold you in my arms and tell you that I love you. I do. I just love you.
I never took the time to thank you.
Thank you for teaching me that being beautiful is about what you look like on the inside. I am forever grateful. It made me realize that I am smart. I became a curious student, a prolific reader of quality literature, and an avid learner. I am good at it and I couldn’t have done it without you at my back.
Thank you for teaching me that my body is a framework for mobility and not for others to judge, to rate, or to objectify. Our passion for swimming and watersports has made us both strong and sure. When life’s pressures weighed heavy, we would take to the water and swim and swim and swim, until the toxins were purged through sweat and effort and exhaustion. I would count the strokes as my arms slapped the water, I could hear each breath amplified, the noise of the crowd, muffled by the water dancing over my ears. Another race completed. I imagine you having those same experiences – dolphin like moments of bliss.
Thank you for coming back to us after Greg died. I walked in your shadow when Chris was in the hospital with all the medications and operations to remove the TB. Then we lost sweet Madeline May to SIDS… and you were there, giving me strength, so I could take care of my beautiful daughter while her world crumbled. The women in this family are rock solid strong. You taught us that. You are brave indeed.
Thank you for setting the example that sometimes, women must travel alone to experience adventure. Your world tour to numerous exotic countries, and gifts to us kids, was such an inspiration. What a pleasure to see your giddy enthusiasm, unloading suitcases brimming with gifts for distribution to the usual suspects. You always were so generous and thoughtful. I know you grew up dirt poor, with a selfish father, and a mother long buried (dying from a broken heart), but that’s not why you did it. You were a giver. I too am a giver and it’s because of you.
Thank you for being my kindred spirit. You were my compass when I was a lost teenager. You were kind when I became a vulnerable young mother. You were there to listen when dad died with very wise words. What an honour for me to cherish these moments, and share them with others. I want people to know how beautiful you are, because you just are. I miss you every day. With all my heart I wish you the happiest Mother’s Day.
Sue
I am a Medical Intuitive, Reiki Teacher/Practitioner, MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) Meditation Facilitator and Laughter Yoga Facilitator. If you wish to know more about me and what I do please send me an email, or sign up for my blog subscription. Thanks for the read. I welcome your feedback.
Namaste
Susan Lee Woodward
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