It has been two years today since my mother died, a fact that astounds me. We were with her when she passed in the early hours of February 2nd (a beautiful bit of grace for which I am immensely grateful), and after going to bed at 5 a.m., I remember waking a couple of hours later in full awareness that I had to get up, lift my head and walk bravely through the next few days. We knew without even discussing it our first task was the most difficult: developing the list of Mom’s most special friends and calling them personally to let them know the sad news. We wrote down name after name after name and divided it up, my three brothers and I, and still the calls took us all day. It was an inexhaustible list, and it brought us to the first great realization about our mother: She was widely beloved because she had the ability to make each and every person she met feel special–and even more so–special to her.
I’ve thought a lot about this in recent months, such a gift I believe it to be. Mom was a wonderful conversationalist who took a great interest in whatever was going on in your life. Stop by for a quick visit with Posey Rigg and she’d light up a cigarette, ask a question and two hours later you’d still be sitting there telling her your stories. Nothing pleased her more.
one of my favorite photos of Mom and Dad
But she was not simply a charmer, let me be clear about that. She had no filter, our Mother, and without a second thought she would pose–outright–questions the rest of the world wouldn’t dare ask. She also offered her own (strong) opinions quite freely–an honesty that, in some strange way, actually put you more at ease.
(You never had to wonder what Posey was thinking, that’s for sure.)
Our family’s beloved minister, George Aichel, opened his remembrance at her funeral by saying this:
Eliza Rose Sutton (Posey) Rigg was a woman who said what she thought and meant what she said.
The congregation laughed and I laughed, too, a beautiful, gentle acknowledgement that filled me with pride and love and peace.
So true I thought. So Mom.
Miss her no end! I’m glad she and Helen have each other, but my heart still hurts not to have them both here. Harris and I were just talking at dinner tonight about how we would like to take a trip to Florida to visit Kent. Miss you all and think of you often.
Cathy two years wow! She was one of a kind! Makes me smile to think of her! Much love and comfort to you. Peace
Thank you dear friend!
After reading this, it means even more that a little girl selected a special purse to take to church yesterday.
Yes, my heart rejoiced to see that precious Caroline carrying Mom’s purse. What a beautiful God wink for me. Thank you!
I have many wonderful memories of your mom and how very kind she was to me and to my family. She was truly one of a kind, in the very best of ways…my thoughts are with you today.
Thank you, Lisa! I so appreciate your sweet words and memories.
Cathy, I did not have the privilege to know your Mom! I can tell by knowing her daughter that is is truly my loss. My prayers are with you as you reminisce.
Oh, she would have loved Eddie Enfinger. That I know for sure. Thanks, dear friend.
Loved her and think about her often. She was always proud of you and what you had accomplished. There was only one Posey!!!!:)
Thank you, my sweet friend. What a lovely thing to read on this day!