Simple, sincere people seldom speak much of their piety. It shows itself in acts rather than in words, and has more influence than homilies or protestations. Beth could not reason upon or explain the faith that gave her courage and patience to give up life, and cheerfully wait for death. Like a confiding child, she asked no questions, but left everything to God and nature, Father and Mother of us all, feeling sure that they, and they only, could teach and strengthen heart and spirit for this life and the life to come. She did not rebuke Jo with saintly speeches, only loved her better for her passionate affection, and clung more closely to the dear human love, from which our Father never means us to be weaned, but through which He draws us closer to Himself. She could not say, “I’m glad to go,” for life was very sweet for her. She could only sob out, “I try to be willing,” while she held fast to Jo, as the first bitter wave of this great sorrow broke over them together.
- Louisa May Alcott, Little Women
Little Women was my Mother’s favorite book. On Saturday evening, after a four month long illness, my Mother died peacefully. She was exactly one month shy of her 66th birthday. She was a wonderful Mother, a caring wife, a fantastic grandmother, a good friend, an award winning quilter and a life-long reader. She faced death with a dignity very much like that of Beth March in Little Women, and, even though it was hard for me to say goodbye, I am so happy that she is finally at peace.
I will be taking a week long blogging hiatus while we prepare for my Mother’s funeral. Even though originally I was going to post about my giveaway of the book Nefertiti this week, I am postponing it until next Monday, June 30th.
Peace.
