Julies's Mom

In memory of Barbara J. McDowell April 23, 1937 - December 28, 2005
(a.k.a. Julies' Mom)

Julie's Mom

I remember when I met you among our little band,
At the theatre, one of our favorite places.
You were introduced politely and offered your hand,
A bright, shining force among all the smiling faces.

Now and again, you would come to see,
Performances of each and every show,
You’d walk up and say “Remember Me?”
Awful memory with names, but faces I know.

Stuttering with embarrassment I would say,
“Of course I do, you are Julie’s Mom,”
You’d smile and pat my hand that way,
With the approving touch of your palm.

It is a sin I know but I was envious,
The way you two regarded each other.
Bringing thoughts that made me conscious,
How far away was my own mother.

But your loving daughter is my friend,
And through her you were an extension,
Reminders of my own family, truly a Godsend,
Missing their far away love and attention.

I didn’t know you well or for long,
But what I did know, I knew I liked.
The news came to me while I was alone,
Grieving losses of my own one night.

My heart sank that you were gone,
Then I thought of your daughter Julie.
What a wonderful job, work well done,
The pride you must have in her, truly.

I will miss seeing you in receiving lines,
Of all our little amateur shows.
But now you have the best seat in the house,
From heaven looking down below.

TAH

"You can never have grieved if you have never loved." As quoted by Bishop Sean Larkin at the memorial service.