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A Song of Mom
September 3, 2017
“If I know a song of Africa, of the giraffe and the African new moon lying on her back, of the plows in the fields and the sweaty faces of the coffee pickers, does Africa know a song of me? Will the air over the plain quiver with a color that I have had on, or the children invent a game in which my name is, or the full moon throw a shadow over the gravel of the drive that was like me, or will the eagles of the Ngong Hills look out for me?"
Isak Dinesen
The quotation above has inspired me for most of my adult life. What a lyrical – and powerful - way to express one’s desire to leave a legacy. I took it to heart when I first read it. In fact, the simple thought, “Does _____ know a song of me?” inspires me to give my best effort every time I do something.
It has inspired me in quite a different way this week, due to the passing of my mother into Spirit on August 26, 2017. Just a few minutes into that new day, and surrounded by her loved ones, Jaccolin C. Franchina took her final breath in grace, in beauty, in dignity, and in peace. At the memorial service a few days ago, I was honored to give a eulogy for her. At the time that I write this, however, words are elusive and seem meaningless…so it may be some time before I write a song of her. In the meantime, I can share how very grateful I am for the outpouring of love and support to my entire family during this challenging time. I have been blanketed with offers of support, helpful acts, and such comforting thoughts. If there are any patterns to see in the lessons that I have experienced in my lifetime, RECEIVING LOVE is one. TRUST is another. And I am doing my best to learn them. Thank you to all of my teachers, especially my mom….
It has inspired me in quite a different way this week, due to the passing of my mother into Spirit on August 26, 2017. Just a few minutes into that new day, and surrounded by her loved ones, Jaccolin C. Franchina took her final breath in grace, in beauty, in dignity, and in peace. At the memorial service a few days ago, I was honored to give a eulogy for her. At the time that I write this, however, words are elusive and seem meaningless…so it may be some time before I write a song of her. In the meantime, I can share how very grateful I am for the outpouring of love and support to my entire family during this challenging time. I have been blanketed with offers of support, helpful acts, and such comforting thoughts. If there are any patterns to see in the lessons that I have experienced in my lifetime, RECEIVING LOVE is one. TRUST is another. And I am doing my best to learn them. Thank you to all of my teachers, especially my mom….