love the world

In contemplation, Inspiration, Life, Memory-keeping
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Look and look again.
This world is not just a little thrill for the eyes.

Throughout this last year, when I took these photographs, I was not thinking of her as I took them. I wasn’t thinking that by Thanksgiving, she would be gone. These photographs were my vision, what I saw in the world around me, not hers.

But in looking more closely, I see now that they also reflect things she loved throughout her long life — the slant of light in all seasons, gardens and flowers, riotous color, sunrises and sunsets, ocean and woods, and just a hint at the mysteries of life.

What I loved in the beginning , I think, was mostly myself.
Never mind that I had to, since somebody had to.
That was many years ago…
…And what do I risk to tell you this, which is all I know?
Love yourself, then forget it. Then, love the world.

The above quotes are from the poem “To Begin With, the Sweet Grass,” by Mary Oliver, portions of which my mother had highlighted in her cherished book Devotions: the Selected Poems of Mary Oliver.

Susan Leonard Loomis passed away November 18th, 2021, after 88 years of deeply loving the world. The world and I will miss her wholeheartedly. xoxo

—lucy

12 Comments

  2. These photos are a beautiful tribute to your mother and a comforting legacy. Loss seeps into us and changes us forever so that we feel more deeply, see more keenly, and walk more softly. I love every image! I’m sad for your loss; please accept my heartfelt sympathy.

  3. Such beautiful images and a wonderful way to remember your mother. May all these memories comfort and bless you in the days ahead, Lucy!

  4. What a beautiful tribute, Lucy. So very sorry for your loss. xoxo

  5. Just beautiful, Lucy. You will always honor your mother by being the person you are.

  8. Such a beautiful tribute to your mother and to her legacy. Deeply loving the world, I image she was a beautiful soul. I am so sorry for you loss, Lucy.

  9. Such a beautiful tribute to your mother and to her legacy. “88 years of deeply loving the world.” I image she was a beautiful soul. I am so sorry for you loss, Lucy.

  10. Thank you for sharing your love and hers with us. I’m so very sorry for your loss. What a beautiful way to see your Mom…in the beauty around you <3

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