Memories of Margaret

Fall Leaves

“Autumn…the year’s last, loveliest smile.” ― William Cullen Bryant

When I walk outside I can see them. The pale, dry leaves are falling to the ground. Right now there are just small amounts of them but pretty soon I know there will be more. The evenings are slightly cooler too and the blooms of summer are just about over. Fall is in the air.

I love Pennsylvania and especially at this time of year. I always lamented the end of summer in my younger days but in my mid life, no longer. I love the return to cooler temperatures and the arrival of fall.

A few years ago I asked Jim to take me for a ride. It was autumn and I wanted to snap some pictures of the colorful leaves. We were on a quiet road when I asked him to pull over so I could take the picture above. It was so beautiful and tranquil. I can still look at this picture and feel in awe of nature’s beauty. How magnificent are the colors, as if they were exquisitely painted.

This past week, my aunt’s mom passed away. Her name was Margaret but we called her yiayia Teta (tet-ta). I’m not sure how this started but my guess is that one of my cousins couldn’t pronounce her name exactly right.

My aunt is in her early 70’s and yiayia was 91. I cannot imagine the great gift it must be to have your mother when into your 70’s. Back then, young women married early and started families. These days that doesn’t happen quite so often.

My memory of yiayia will always be of her smile. She was always smiling and in a good mood. I’d see her at holidays- mostly Easter- and no matter what was going on with her physically, she tried to see things in a positive light. The last few years had been very difficult for her and she stood up to them like a gallant soldieress.

Yiayia, may you have the most peaceful rest of your life. God be with you.

xoxo

(L to R) Aunt KC, Margaret, George her son, Joanie her daughter
(L to R) Aunt KC, Margaret, George her son, Joanie her daughter

 

 

It's nice to share. Thank you.

13 Replies to “Memories of Margaret”

  1. What a lovely tribute to Margaret, Joanne. We should all be remembered with such love and affection, and her family picture is a delight.
    I know exactly what you mean about the memory-nudge of the picture. I still have a picture taken more than 37 years ago that makes me recall every scent, sound, touch, and joy of the day. I’m 9 mos. pregnant with my daughter and I clicked a picture out the kitchen window that morning, not know that in 12 hrs. I would be a mom!

  2. Another awesome blog! Spring used to be my favorite season, because everything is coming back to life, but as I have gotten older, Autumn is becoming my favorite! We don’t have the colorful tree’s here and it certainly is not a pretty time, but I am looking forward to cooler temperatures!
    Sorry for the loss of your yaiyai…91 years is amazing! After my second heart attack in 3 months, at my age….91 seems very far away!
    Love the family picture! She was a beautiful lady!

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