My Tribute

Today we celebrate the life of an amazing woman; Arlene O'dell Harpster. November 19, 1941.

Her loving influence has always been the cornerstone of my heart. She gave unselfishly to anyone who needed her. If help was needed, she was there, too.

Arlene's mind ran deep and her ability to analyze and interpret people and situations was uncanny.

She was gentle to all creatures and loved frogs. She raised me, my brother and sister to respect living things and life. Life is, after all, a gift.

Arlene had musical talent and taught herself to play guitar. Some of my fondest memories consist of mom playing the guitar and singing in the living room. It is from her that I learned the importance of the written word. She was forever writing in notebooks and she wrote poetry. She often said her dream was to go off to live in a cabin in the woods and just write her novel.

Arlene taught us about family connection. She wrote frequently to all of her sisters and to her parents and friends. Back before we had computers and instant messaging and text messages she went through volumes of paper to keep in touch with the people that she loved. I learned to do that and I followed suit as soon as I was old enough to do so. Stamps were one of the most precious commodities in our household.

She wasn't perfect, none of us are. She tried to be a fighter and did a great job for many years. She was diagnosed with lupus and thus began medications and side effects. One almost made her go blind. She stopped using pharmaceutical medications and began self-medicating. Through her life, she also battled depression. Her choice of self-medication was alcohol.

Arlene chose to leave this earth far too soon. She was 56; the same age I am. Her suffering ended that day on June 14, 1997. Ours began. I know now she never intended to hurt me, or us, but anyone who has ever considered suicide must know that the scars left behind are deeper and longer than any other death we may experience.

Any thoughts of her run deep and bittersweet, but floating up above it all is the deepest love I've ever known and I am grateful for all the blessings and gifts that I was granted for knowing this woman for the time frame that God permitted.

Thank you, Mom for your love and examples. I miss you today and always. I wish there were more souls like you in this world.

Happy Birthday in Heaven, Mom.

And join us at the Isle of Write in the freewriter - retreat

art and flair courtesy of @PegasusPhysics

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