Today
would have been my dear old Mum’s 91 st birthday. She actually made it to the
ripe age of 86, succumbing then to a
major stroke. Though she was beset by poor short term memory in her final
years, she was sharp as a tack when it came to naming family and friends in
photos (though she did get me and Dad mixed up!) She retained good humour and never forgot her little boy, her eyes
lighting up whenever she saw me on my twice a year visits.
We
planted a ginkgo biloba tree in her honour in the garden. We look out over her and the fields beyond from our deck. She is
flourishing, with her striking leaves just starting to turn yellow at this time
of year. Ginkgos symbolize memory and remembrance; adaptable and ancient, they
are akin to the mother of trees. Happy Birthday, Mum, up there with your
beloved on Kinver Edge.