tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9291442.post1105712007980765129..comments2024-03-28T03:17:00.191-04:00Comments on Fibermania: Things my mother taught meMelody Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08644269589363519294noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9291442.post-78055075849847964152011-11-29T03:04:54.215-05:002011-11-29T03:04:54.215-05:00Oh my god, there's a lot of helpful info above...Oh my god, there's a lot of helpful info above!www.muebles-en-almeria.comhttp://www.muebles-en-almeria.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9291442.post-70997879232871388442009-04-27T10:14:00.000-04:002009-04-27T10:14:00.000-04:00There were so many things lacking in my relationsh...There were so many things lacking in my relationship with my mom. She passed away two years ago. I now put only the good times in the forefront of my memory. We are all flawed, but with God's help, we will heal. Now, I cry for you, for me, for all who missed out on the unconditional love of a parent.Marty Masonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07334784980579392590noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9291442.post-90628714946978044712009-04-25T08:01:00.000-04:002009-04-25T08:01:00.000-04:00So glad you have worked through all of that and so...So glad you have worked through all of that and sounds like you're at peace with it all. Even though you would have liked it to be different, it gives you a great perspective on what "not" to do to those you love. My condolences.Lindseyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02887608775253733832noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9291442.post-7412594036279173802009-04-24T18:29:00.000-04:002009-04-24T18:29:00.000-04:00Mel,
I'm sorry for the losses you've suffered - t...Mel,<br /><br />I'm sorry for the losses you've suffered - the hurts and deficits before your mother's death, and now her death.<br /><br />I walked a similar path with my mom, who died a few years ago.<br /><br />I just wanted to mention a book that helped me process my mother's death. The <A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/Grief-Recovery-Handbook-Anniversary-Expanded/dp/0061686077/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1240611804&sr=8-1" REL="nofollow">Grief Recovery Handbook</A> has a series of writing exercises that I did the summer my mother died. It was really helpful for me to feel like I had closure - and it does not assume that you had a positive relationship with the person you're grieving. I'd recommend it to anyone who has lost a difficult parent. <br /><br />I mean this sincerely - not as some kind of spammy, book-selling post!!! I just really appreciated this book when my mom died.<br /><br />Take care!<br />SueAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9291442.post-18992157612810419142009-04-24T11:40:00.000-04:002009-04-24T11:40:00.000-04:00Melody, Your Mother missed so much by choosing h...Melody, Your Mother missed so much by choosing her behavior. You are wonderful, beautiful, talented, loving and kind. Every Mother would love to be able to say those things about their daughter. while we can never look back - keep looking forward and know in your heart you have accomplished so much in your life. Your Mother should have been proud as heck.<br />I'm sorry that part was such a disappointment. I guess that's why God sent you Dave!!<br />Peace -<br />Patty CramerPatty Cramerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03357146776833060771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9291442.post-62344023827936179652009-04-23T13:31:00.000-04:002009-04-23T13:31:00.000-04:00Melody, I just got caught up with your blog -- I ...Melody, I just got caught up with your blog -- I usually check you everyday -- and saw the news about your mother. I am so amazed at how you've grown and suspect that this story is part of why you make such colorful, cheerful art. Hugs to youjanice in detroitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9291442.post-59848292261858307102009-04-22T20:51:00.000-04:002009-04-22T20:51:00.000-04:00My heart aches for the pain little Melody had to e...My heart aches for the pain little Melody had to endure ... and that big Melody has had to deal with! You are a strong, brave woman and I'm glad that some good has come of it all for you, at least.<br /><br />Linda (with tears)lindaschifferhttp://www.seminolelinda.typepad.com/fiber_and_pulpnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9291442.post-77692062925161855732009-04-22T19:39:00.000-04:002009-04-22T19:39:00.000-04:00Thank you for sharing your story, which helps me g...Thank you for sharing your story, which helps me get a better handle on my immensely complex feelings towards my mother. Mental illness is a terrible thing. You are a courageous woman to share. God Bless.<br /><br />AndreaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9291442.post-46437681435331575292009-04-22T17:04:00.000-04:002009-04-22T17:04:00.000-04:00You are an amazing woman. To have left that behin...You are an amazing woman. To have left that behind and have a loving relationship with yourself, your husband and siblings is amazing (there's just no other word for it). I work with women who have mental health issues and have a lot of compassion for them, but to have been raised by someone like this would be so difficult. My thoughts and prayers go to you and your family (including your mom). Thank you for sharing this part of your story.<br /><br />My best to you,<br /><br />Debbie LDeb's Artful Journeyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06579806956058254209noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9291442.post-22552540856077496012009-04-22T12:30:00.000-04:002009-04-22T12:30:00.000-04:00Hi Melody,
My thoughts and good energy (prayers??)...Hi Melody,<br />My thoughts and good energy (prayers??) are with you and your siblings. I hope that you can help heal each other and be the parents to each other that your mother wouldn't/couldn't be. I know this must have been a hard post to write and I have so much respect for you for sharing these intense feelings with us. I am so glad that you can see the gifts your mother gave you while seeing her failings. By identifying them, you can move on, which you have obviously done. You have also given me a gift, which is to remind me to be the best parent I can and the most positive person I can. I will also tell my mother thanks for being such a great mom - not perfect, but wonderful and supportive and helpful and giving.<br />xxJayehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06285727704486805109noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9291442.post-32686676924897422682009-04-22T12:22:00.000-04:002009-04-22T12:22:00.000-04:00Bless your heart my dear sweet Melody, wish I coul...Bless your heart my dear sweet Melody, wish I could pair that with a huge hug! I'm sorry for your losses, the early ones, the ones at 35 and all the ones since. Love you!Carmen Rosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15580969001024916112noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9291442.post-35613723153225107252009-04-22T10:40:00.000-04:002009-04-22T10:40:00.000-04:00Sending many cyber {{{{HUGS}}}}!!!Sending many cyber {{{{HUGS}}}}!!!Dale Anne Potterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04772240835643324423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9291442.post-14076886873554280422009-04-22T00:14:00.000-04:002009-04-22T00:14:00.000-04:00Mel, you've managed to put a most positive spin on...Mel, you've managed to put a most positive spin on your life in spite of poor role modeling. May you find peace in knowing you're leaving a different mark in the world.Caseyhttp://www.caseypuetz.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9291442.post-62460612671429003222009-04-21T22:27:00.000-04:002009-04-21T22:27:00.000-04:00Dear Mel -
May you find peace in your heart....
&...Dear Mel - <br />May you find peace in your heart....<br /><3 judi in wnyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9291442.post-5996751481558806952009-04-21T21:09:00.000-04:002009-04-21T21:09:00.000-04:00Your sharing has allowed so many to share also. W...Your sharing has allowed so many to share also. What I learned as an adult is that I could be the mother I didn't have. My daughter and I have a wonderful relationship and both she and I value it because of my mother. Ironic, isn't it?Gari in ALhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07695711731891676422noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9291442.post-37286900307607074892009-04-21T20:13:00.000-04:002009-04-21T20:13:00.000-04:00I'm lucky to have a great Mom, which is pretty...I'm lucky to have a great Mom, which is pretty amazing since her own mother was pretty awful to her. I appreciate her all the more since I know what she went through & overcame. I can see that it still affects her self image, though, and she's in her 70s. I guess it's something you work on your whole life.<br />I'm glad you and your sister were able to break away from her. I had to do the same thing with my sister. There are some people who think that's not right and that you should put up with whatever a family member hands out just because it's your family. It's sad, but sometimes it's just the only thing you can do.Suehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05362837685488491259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9291442.post-27847471804102646902009-04-21T19:12:00.000-04:002009-04-21T19:12:00.000-04:00oh my goodness, this sounded so familiar! I knew ...oh my goodness, this sounded so familiar! I knew from quite an early age there was something wrong with my mother, but it wasn't until she was in a nursing home that she was diagnosed with a personality disorder. It was hell being her kid. I have survived it all somehow but I feel I missed out...As a little kid, I'd notice the difference in mothers when I visited a friend's house, but I thought, 'They are just being nice because I'm here.'Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9291442.post-86202073995790490652009-04-21T18:44:00.001-04:002009-04-21T18:44:00.001-04:00Mel, many, many people wish the best for you, even...Mel, many, many people wish the best for you, even though your mother did not. Thank you for sharing your sad story.Life Scraps and Patcheshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15369832113049358654noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9291442.post-47322658653530389582009-04-21T18:44:00.000-04:002009-04-21T18:44:00.000-04:00Hugs to you and your family. You are an inspiratio...Hugs to you and your family. You are an inspiration through your work and your words.Kellyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16632338731938512436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9291442.post-64197778527022041462009-04-21T17:35:00.000-04:002009-04-21T17:35:00.000-04:00Well your mother has finally done some good. You ...Well your mother has finally done some good. You have donated her body to help others and because of her you have posted this touching story and look at the people who have been touched and have been given hope by you as their example. <br /><br />Peace.Barbara Strobel Lardonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08314713622021695107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9291442.post-53352244321843821852009-04-21T16:56:00.000-04:002009-04-21T16:56:00.000-04:00Dear Melody,
What a sad life your mother had - she...Dear Melody,<br />What a sad life your mother had - she missed all the joys and thrills of her children. I'm glad you have some happy memories from your childhood. May she rest in peace. I wish you, Brooke and your brothers peace and happiness now she has passed.Lizziehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06920065207628161606noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9291442.post-54230743493379564282009-04-21T15:58:00.000-04:002009-04-21T15:58:00.000-04:00Melanie,
Thanks for your honesty in sharing the d...Melanie,<br /><br />Thanks for your honesty in sharing the difficult circumstances of your childhood. It resonated with me because of my own emotionally distant, verbally abusive mother. After she died, I learned some of the circumstances that had helped to make her what she was. It did not excuse her behavior towards me, but helped me to come to terms with it.<br />I agree with you that physical and emotional distance is the only way to free yourself from such toxic relationships. I have had to keep myself distant from two of my siblings who have tried to perpetuate the old patterns of behavior and use me as their scapegoat.<br />I read your blog regularly and your beautiful, vibrant art helps lift me up when I am down.<br /><br />SusanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9291442.post-12025029965599167482009-04-21T15:49:00.000-04:002009-04-21T15:49:00.000-04:00Dear Melody,
Having come through the fire of major...Dear Melody,<br />Having come through the fire of major losses myself, I sympathize with your life's journey and rejoice in your freedom which so obviously expresses itself in the beauty you express through your open heart, your generosity of spirit and your beautiful artwork in all its forms. God bless you and your family! Sending many hugs...Olenkahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05699221696771155965noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9291442.post-20863498268744908622009-04-21T12:48:00.000-04:002009-04-21T12:48:00.000-04:00Melody,
Your strength is your art. In it, you can ...Melody,<br />Your strength is your art. In it, you can express what you may not be able to say.<br />That could be a way to alleviate your brothers' feelings and show them that you, they and Brooke are a family and you can celebrate that.Eileenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11791592886458322904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9291442.post-68195488317631789162009-04-21T12:01:00.000-04:002009-04-21T12:01:00.000-04:00Mel
My mother died in February. I didn't say much...Mel<br /> My mother died in February. I didn't say much about it on my blog either...as we never had a close relationship. And it is sad, but I also felt a sense of freedom when she died...I could quit feeling so quilty that I had stopped trying to satisfy my mother...I understand your pain and your relief.Carol Sloanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15430969173208142377noreply@blogger.com