Wednesday, August 2, 2017

Back On Grid

My mother passed away recently. Dementia and Alzheimer had put her in a near vegetative state for several years but her tough constitution kept her hanging on. We had her cremated. Monday we placed her remains in an aspen grove in view of Hahns Peak (CO), a place with special meaning to her, and us.

Just a small gathering. My sister, niece, her daughter, and her husband.

Now it is back to work.

Hahns Peak was an area of mining activity in the late 1890-1930 era. While not as big as other mineral strikes in Colorado history, up until 1916 it was a county seat. One set of great grandparents traveled by wagon for three days to see a judge in Hahns Peak and get married. Family lore says the couple would remark,

"When we started, we didn't need to get married. By the time we got there, we did".

Cynics in the family, including me, think the trip needed to start about a month earlier. 

14 comments:

LL said...

If you need to be planted, that looks like a very good place.

And yes, you're a cynic - not trusting in the pure intentions of your forefathers.

Ami said...

It's really hard to watch someone decline over years like that. I'm glad your mother is at peace.

I love that her remains are in a place of meaning for your family. So important.

Momma Fargo said...

So sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace. That was a beautiful place to spread her ashes. Love the stories.

Coffeypot said...

Sorry you lost your mother, but it sounds like you lost her a few years ago. Still, the actual loss must hurt. But you did a good thing by placing her where she would love to be. Now, carry on, big guy.

Old NFO said...

Thoughts and prayers WSF. Know she's in a better place now.

drjim said...

My condolences, WSF.

Well Seasoned Fool said...

Several of my forefather's conduct wouldn't bear close scrutiny. The 'law' didn't take hold in that part of Colorado until the 1920's.

Well Seasoned Fool said...

It is beautiful, but infested with tourists and trust funders.

Well Seasoned Fool said...

I'm glad she is no longer living inside her head. No way of knowing if she suffered. All the staff could do was keep the physical body comfortable. I've come to regard the end of life tasks as a job of work. Keeps me sane.

Well Seasoned Fool said...

Thank you.

Well Seasoned Fool said...

That she is. Her earthly torment is over. Thank you.

Well Seasoned Fool said...

My sister kept a small portion of the remains and stopped in Walden, CO to put them on her parent's graves.

drjim said...

That's how we all feel about my wife's brother who recently passed. The Parkinson's had greatly diminished him, and was getting worse. He's free of that now....

Well Seasoned Fool said...

Often it can be a blessing.