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legacy

Dads their legacy, their children

Nov 5th, 2011
by Cynthia Mitchell.
9 comments

If I could dance with my father again(music to read this blog  by)

This has been a tender week what with me remembering my dad on the 3rd anniversary of his transition.

I was blessed  to have a bond with my dad that was strong and a faith that allows that bond to continue in its new form.

However, the human being I am recognizes that  especially on these “anniversaries” , I reflect upon all the blessings of that bond and continues to search for ways to express the legacy of hope my dad lived on this planet.

About 2 weeks ago, I was sitting for coffee with two business colleagues and one was preparing for his daughter’s wedding which is today.Both the men have 29year young daughters and when asked “what was the most important contribution they made in their lifetime”, they both agreed it was their daughters.One said;” I would do anything for her”.The other “knew” what that meant.They were passing on their legacy as did my dad to me.

For a minute I was stepping back in time and remembering the day my dad brought a yellow cadillac convertible to my college so I could ride in the Miss URI parade.I knew my dad always carried a picture of me in his wallet and he would often share that picture and  say”see my daughter”.In his eyes, I could see my hope for success.As an entrepreneur I miss that energy he mirrored for me, as a daughter, I know how blessed I am to have had  that level of devotion on this planet.

Last night we received news that the owner of a  billion dollar wellness company for which I market lost his middle son.

The loss was sudden and tragic.I thought how incredibly hard this would be for him.He was also leaving his legacy to his son, and now that dream is one that won’t be fulfilled.I have been grateful for the gift of faith as I know that will lift our company’s CEO into the Light of Divine Consolation.

Not everyone has a positive experience of fathering or or being fathered.But for those of us who have, recognizing the legacy our fathers lived is gift, and deciding to do this or something better is  what really matters.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Father and Son Reunion

Sep 21st, 2011
by Cynthia Mitchell.
4 comments

I feel privileged to witness so many life events that would otherwise have passed me by in former years, years when i was all caught up in being “busy”.It was as if being busy was the thing to do.I have learned better now.As Eric Butterworth says”being where I Am” is key.So I find myself practicing the art of “being where I am”, rather than in the future or the past.I find this practice has heightened my life experience.

Last week our stepson visited us and we were aware, before his visit, that we wanted this time to be time for what really matters.

My husband and I made time on the days prior to Mark’s visit to set an intention for this week.We really wanted Mark to have a wonderful time and Bob really wanted to make time for he and his son to be alone together and simply catch up.Once a year is far too seldom to be with those you love, but the physical distance  and lifestyles have been a factor and so it is.Texting and phone calls and emails do not replace or compare to the personal touch.

While this visit was fun yet not eventful, it was special;there was a sense of opening for father and son, and I was blessed to observe  some of that.At the end of our visit I wrote a letter expressing my gratitude to Mark for demonstrating such care towards us. His dad inscribed  one of his treasures, a book he wrote that he would like to pass along to his son.

At the end of the visit, I overheard them say” wish we lived closer”, my husband came back inside our home, tears in his eyes. I held my heart as my tears welled up inside.

These are the days and moments that create a legacy for living.What a priviledge to be a  living witness to them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was the best of mothers’ days

May 9th, 2011
by Cynthia Mitchell.
4 comments

It was a day filled with bittersweet moments.Both joy and sorrow- for those who were here and those now no longer physically with us.

There were 13 of us, from ages 1 year old to 88 years young, the matriach, my mom, for whom we all gathered at my home.

I had prepared a small gift for all the moms, even those who may not have their own children, but have “fur” babies, and/or nurture others seemingly so easily.

My dad would have been very happy to see his all of us his children honoring my mom. It is his legacy.Ever notice how some days seem to bring to heart those poignant memories of loved ones who have made their transition?

And as for my mom, 88, she remembered how her mom loved family gatherings and how all our cooking and preparations were memories she held so fondly of her childhood.

My sister remembered he mom quietly,remembering how she was always raring to go.She misses her mom dearly.

Yesterday I was out buying a last minute gift for our 5 year old and 7 year old guests.I observed a woman holding her mom’s hand as I so often do when my mom and I go out together.Her mom held out a card to the cashier:”Know how hold I am?”, she queeried”.How old?” said everyone in line.”I am 100 years old!” We all looked at the daughter in disbelief.”It’s true she said with a smile.”It’s true.” said her mom with a grin!

“You’re blessed to still have her”, I said…to which the daughter said, “I know!”

And that is all that matters isn’t it.The “knowing” what we know.And in that “knowing” we find consolation,no matter what  was our experience of mothering .