On Tuesday Al and I completed the task of the final clean out of my Mother's apartment. My brother and sister, and some of our family members, had completed the distribution of belongings last week. Al and I had the task of taking the last remaining material possessions to Goodwill, and then pack our Suburban with multiple boxes of pictures, (my daughter Ali and I plan to scan framed photos, so that all family members can have a CD of family history photos), as well as enough boxes to fill the back of the car. Only my husband, the master packer, could have made all the boxes fit into that space!
We also made the rounds of thank you's to many of the people in charge of the care of my Mother, and my Father, for the last ten years of their lives. We closed her checking account at the in-house bank, on and on the final chores of ending that final stage of my Mother's life.
The room was completely empty. Just as we were waiting for the final walk through of the apartment I saw something on the floor. I reached down to pick up. It was a small, 1/2" painted, metal, winged bee; some antique treasure that had been part of my Mother's belongings. I grasped it in my fingers, a final memory of my Mother's life in that room. The only thing left of her life in that room. It tugged at my heart as I thought of all the years my parents had spent living there, of all the years that I had been coming to visit and help them in any way I could. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to help them in their final stages of their life journey.
After finding that bee on the floor, I have been searching online for the symbolism of bees. I found a discussion site of bee symbolism, which progressed into the question of "are bees happy?"
"As a metaphor for "we're all in this together," you can't do much better than bees.
Does an insect feel happiness? I have no idea. They do what they do on instinct. And a bee is part of a hive, at least common honey bees are. They can't live as individuals, they need to live as a group, to pull together.
They have different jobs at different stages of their lives. And they put themselves totally into the appropriate job of the moment.
They have a society. They have family. They have meaningful work. So if there is room for happiness in their little minds and hearts, I'm thinking they are happy."
http://people.tribe.net/tentacular
http://meditationclub.tribe.net/thread/6b45a683-f787-41d5-976a-ce7171334e13
I love this symbolism of a "happy bee." It was almost like having a message from my Mom, that she is happy and at peace. I can keep these thoughts in my mind as I treasure this last item from my Mother's apartment.
Photo: Final treasure in my Mother's apartment - a Bee - 3/25/08
9 comments:
Between the rainbow and the bee, I'd say your parents are trying to tell you something, for sure! They must truly be at peace, happy, and filled with love.
Also, I love the idea of scanning the photos. We've been working on a similar project for my family with photos from the 1800s through now -- big project! It is totally worth it, however, to share the history, love, and images of family with family.
You might be find some value in archiving your slices this month, as it represents a major transition in your life and your family.
Just a thought
Kevin
Pati,
I marvel at your ability to write so lucidly about this experience in the moment. Just think how wonderful these pieces will be to read when this moment is part of your past.
I also can't help thinking that you could create a wonderful digital story about your parents. It would be a great challenge.
Thanks so much for these slices.
BOnnie
How very special to have found that bee pin just before you left.
I'm sure it will find a special place of honor in your home to remind you of your precious mom.
~jane
Hi Mom,
What a wonderful reflection and find! Simon and I have been playing 'bee' in the pool here in the Bahamas all day today. 'The Bee Movie' is his current favorite!
I love you!
jessica
To empty the house, and take away all the furnishings; to close the bank accounts, and disperse the belongings; these are hard things to do. Every day I think of the life my parents lived so that I could have the wonderful life I have, and I work very hard to still make them proud although they have been gone for decades.
bees also have a queen -- obviously she was one
This is lovely, Pati. I'm so glad that you found that little bee ... and that you found a message in the bee to help you during this time. You've been so amazing through this whole, difficult time. I continue to be impressed and inspired by you. Thanks so much for sharing your experience with us.
--Stacie
have you ever read "The Secret Life of Bees". It's one of my favorite books ever. It's not so much about bees, as it is about relationships. You will love that bee even more if you read the book.
thank you for the post. It made me stop and think about life.
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