I tread in the footsteps of an illustrious woman.

[wlotus]

This evening I thought about the stories I have heard about Aunt Mo over the years. I realized that I have never once heard anyone suggest Aunt Mo's life was in any way tragic because she never married or had children. No one even painted her as a tragic figure due to her losing a leg! Instead, people spoke of how inspirational her life was, her adventurous spirit, how much she did for others, her sweet disposition, her active lifestyle, and most of all, how independent she was. Several people gave remarks at today's service about her fierce independence up until the point where she had to go into a nursing home. (Even then, she chafed at being wheelchair-bound and would often say she wanted to get out of there.)

I have always feared people would look at me as a tragic figure, no matter what I accomplish in life, because I remain unmarried and childless. (Truth be told, I looked at myself as a tragic figure, regardless of how others looked at me.) After today, I am not afraid of that, anymore. Instead, I am excited about following in Aunt Mo's footsteps as an adventurer, photographer, and independent spirit.

Thanks for inspiring me, Aunt Mo. I'll carry the baton with pride.

Comments

[warkitty.livejournal.com]

I'm betting you already remind your extended family of her.

[wlotus.livejournal.com]

Several of them have called me "Aunt Mo" for years, because of my ever-present camera. That was her trademark, too.

Suddenly I feel able to ride my bike, again. If Aunt Mo didn't let a prosthetic leg keep her from traveling to Israel...

[warkitty.livejournal.com]

HUZZAH!!!!


Twyla misses you.

[ruthiebgr8.livejournal.com]

That's the spirit!! Your Aunt Mo would be proud.

[wlotus.livejournal.com]

I can see her rolling her eyes and chuckling, if she had known fear was keeping me off my bike all of this time. :-)

[lilrongal.livejournal.com]

Wow, what a beautiful entry! She lifted you up in life, and she is continuing to lift you up with her spirit. :) I love this.

[wlotus.livejournal.com]

What is it about a person's death that makes them so inspirational? I guess hearing how others celebrated her life yesterday is what did it for me.

[aamusedinatx.livejournal.com]

I am smiling as I read this!!!

:)

[wlotus.livejournal.com]

I smiled as I wrote it!!!

[saffronrose.livejournal.com]

I'm so glad you've chosen to follow in her footsteps. She reminds me of Diana in the British comedy series Waiting for God. I want to grow up to be like her.

I have never thought of you as a tragic figure. You have considerably more independence than I do, able to take up opportunities on the instant rather than having to plan around other people's needs.

[wlotus.livejournal.com]

I suspect few people have thought of me as a tragic figure, other than me. I also suspect the other people who have thought of me that way are not people whose opinions matter much to me. :-) So I have been carrying a self-made burden all of these years. It feels good to be rid of it. I woke up smiling and peaceful this morning for the first time in weeks. I'm excited about life, again!

[shutterbug.livejournal.com]

I don't even have words for how awesome it is to see you empowered by such an inspiring life. Go out there and seize the world!

*hug*

[mmmmgreen.livejournal.com]

I have to say that you should definitely carry that baton with pride. You have always been an inspirition to me. You are very willing to experience life and all the wonders it has to offer. You examine your life to make it more meaningful. Your process of self-discovery and your life are an inspiration to me.

so in words that seem so simple but really can carry alot of weight...

you go girl!

[far-gone.livejournal.com]

What a great gift your Aunt Mo has left you with! And how great that you can see it and pick it up and take it with you on your own path.

[czaria.livejournal.com]

Sorry to hear about your Aunt Mo.

For the record, I've always thought of you as a courageous figure. Marriage and children don't give life meaning, in my opinion.

[wlotus.livejournal.com]

Thank you. Thanks to Aunt Mo's example, I understand that now.