Today, I saw the movie, Les Miserables. Though the stage play touched me deeply, this experience seemed more stirring somehow. Watching the character’s emotional reactions up close in panoramic, digital clarity left me shaken. Moved. I cried all my makeup away – not a good look. It has been six hours since l exited the film and still, it is with me. That’s good story, folks.
Heading home, the beauty of love’s impact on a life, on many lives, curled around my heart like a mist and rested there. How many of us have the opportunity to change a life through God’s forgiveness and selfless love? All of us, I should imagine.
I thought of people who had forgiven me. Who had loved me, though I’m often unlovely. And right away, my thoughts settled on my mother.
My sweet, ninety-three-year-old mother who has dementia and remembers little, except that she loves me. The lady who inspires friends not seen for years to say, “Cathy! Good to see you. How’s your dear mother?”
My mother at ninety.
Day after day, year after year, my mother dwells in grace. Her kindness is an offering and her smile a blessing. Along with Jean Valjean, she loves with a Godly love that changes lives. She has changed mine and continues to do so.
May God grant her more pages in her story. Like Les Miserables, it’s a good one. And I’m reading it right to the end.
Crafting Mysteries & Suspense 
Ok, now, I have to go see Les Miserables, tomorrow! I will go without any make-up, with a packet of tissues, and make sure I have recovery time when I return home.
Thank you for including the sweet, sweet picture of your adorable mother.in this blog. Did my heart good to see her smile. Praying God’s continued grace for her. Your little momma looks much like my mom, Mary, who also has dementia. Blessings from one Kathy to another beloved daughter named Cathy, our mothers each saw a heart of purity when they named us.
Thank you, Kathy. How lovely to consider that our mothers saw hearts of purity to name us so. But doesn’t that sound just like them both? Philippians 4:8 describes them well: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
What a beautiful and loving tribute to your mom, Cathy!
How blessed we are to have Godly moms who leave such an indelible imprint upon our lives. Even tho my mom has been gone almost 20 years, thoughts of her today are always warm and precious. Thanks for sharing!
How right you are, Jean. We are dearly blessed to have such mothers. I look forward to meeting yours one day, in the heavenly places. 🙂
I’m so glad you included the photo. Good to “know” who your Mom is, and although I realize one photo could not do her justice, I see in that darling sweet smile and those lovely sparkling eyes she is precious!
Kate, though much has been lost to dementia, these things remain – her sweet smile and her kindness. It’s like these beautiful things fill up the empty spots. Truly, my mom is a precious treasure to all who know her. Thanks for noticing. 🙂
Touching, Cathy…I took care of my beloved mother for the last 9 years of her life, so I understand the emotions. My mom was initially diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, but wrongly. By the time we found out it wasn’t (she’d had mini-strokes), it was too late for therapies and eventually she lost speech and her ability to walk, etc. I wouldn’t have traded any of it for king’s fortune. the picture of your mother shows her spirit shining through. Nice addition to your article. Blessings!
What a journey, Sunny. I have such respect for you, honoring your mother by care giving through those years. Precious to her, I’m sure to your family, and to the Lord. Love is never wasted. Bless you. Have you written about it, BTW?
Cathy, you’ve brought tears to my eyes and warmth to my heart. i’ve been ill and am just now catching up with emails. Your blog brings me gratitude for the dear loving people in my life, and inspires me to be more loving to others. I consider myself blessed to know you. And I wish I knew your mom.
Barbara, thank you. I consider myself blessed to know YOU, too, dearie. And though she is still with us, one day you’ll meet my mom (on the other side) and see the fullness of her personality. She’s an inspiration now, but then!!!
Cathy, I enjoyed both the book & the play but have not yet gotten to see “Les Miserables” the movie. When you said it stayed with you, it made me think of “Sarah’s Key”. We watched it on Netflix instant queue last year. That movie stayed with me for days. If you have a chance to see it, I highly recommend it. 🙂
Oooo, thanks for the recommend, Barbie. I’ll look for “Sarah’s Key.” Let me know how Les Mis hits you after you see it. 🙂
I loved the post, Cathy. I haven’t seen Les Mis yet…I decided to wait until it comes out on DVD, but I’m familiar enough with the story and the music to understand how emotionally moving it must be. I’m sure when I see it I’ll be sobbing my eyes out. 😉
I enjoyed seeing the picture of your mother, too. She has a beautiful smile. 🙂 What a blessing that she’s been able to hold onto her sweet spirit in spite of her illness.
Thanks for sharing from your heart. 🙂
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Hannah, you WILL be sobbing when you see Les Mis, you romantic, you. 🙂 And yes, Mother has a beautiful smile. It is what folks comment on most often, “Always smiling!” Thanks for dropping by and for your kind comments.
Yes,Kathy, I enjoyed reading your post and tribute to your dear mother and replies by your loving friends. Without seeing the movie it is still a good reminder of the love we have in our lives and how much it can restore our spirits, even in memories. My best to you in the New Year.
Betty, a great point. Thank you so much for making it. All the best to you in 2013, too.