By Robert Middleton - Action Plan Marketing
On the day after Christmas, my mom passed away in Victoria, Canada. She was 90 years old. She lived an extraordinarily full life and, without a doubt, is responsible for all that is good in me.
She was a tireless fighter for social causes, most notably the indigenous people of Canada. And throughout her life she exemplified this saying from G.I. Gurdjieff:
"To be outwardly courteous to all without distinction, whether they be rich or poor, friends or enemies, power-possessors or slaves, and to whatever religion or race they may belong, but inwardly to remain free and never to put much trust in anyone or anything."
This eZine really isn't a place to talk in depth about my mother, but I felt it appropriate to share a few quotes about living life fully, knowing death is around the corner for all of us. Interestingly, these are all from Steve Jobs.
"Almost everything - all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart." "Here's to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes... the ones who see things differently -- they're not fond of rules... You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can't do is ignore them because they change things... they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do." "Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma -- which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary." Thanks for taking the time to read this. Next week I'll continue with practical marketing applications on the "Law of Appreciation."
Hi Robert,
My Mom had Parkinson's and every December for many years she lamenented, "I'm going to die before Christmas." We'd assure her that she was "a strong woman from old country" and would probably outlive us. She died 13 years ago on December 13 at the age of 72. It's hard to lose a parent. It's even harder when that happens around the Holidays. You're in my thoughts. ---Mar
Posted by: Mar Junge | January 06, 2011 at 09:48 AM
Robert, so sorry to hear about your loss.
I appreciated reading your tribute to your mother, I was really moved by what you wrote, as well as the fitting quotes from Steve Jobs. And I appreciate the generosity and spirit of contribution that runs through your family.
- Patrick
Posted by: Patrick Dominguez | January 04, 2011 at 10:30 PM
Thanks so much for sharing your Mom with us Robert, she sounds like an amazing woman.
As someone married to a "First Nation" citizen (my husband is Navajo), I especially appreciate her efforts and love for native people.
I remember when my grandpa passed away at 90 years old my mom (who was about 65 at the time) told me that no matter how much you know your parent has had a full life and is ready to leave the earth, it is still so painful to lose that parental connection.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family this new years. Wishing lots of love, joy and prosperity in the new year.
Thanks for all you do for your community. You have been a big source of inspiration for me for a long time.
Posted by: Pamela Slim | December 31, 2010 at 03:17 PM
The preciousness of life is in it's brevity.
Posted by: Stephen | December 29, 2010 at 10:21 PM
My deep condolences. Losing a mother is hard.
Posted by: mjballou | December 29, 2010 at 03:26 PM
What is life? It is the flash of a firefly in the night. It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime. It is the little shadow which runs across the grass and loses itself in the sunset.
- Crowfoot
May your mother's memory be a blessing . . . .
Posted by: Marc Yellin | December 29, 2010 at 01:40 PM
So sorry to hear about your mom. I recently attended a funeral and found the words on the prayer card particularly comforting. I hope they give you comfort as well...
If I should die and leave you here awhile,
be not like others, sore undone, who keep long vigil by the silent dust and weep.
For my sake turn again to life and smile. Nerving thy heart and trembling hand to do that which will comfort other souls than thine.
Complete these dear unfinished tasks of mine, and I, perchance may therein comfort you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Posted by: Dawn Drozd | December 29, 2010 at 07:26 AM
Dear Robert:
My condolence to you on the death of your Mom, I've been there and it hurts. From what you've written she was a remarkable person, her legacy will live on.
Posted by: Paulette | December 28, 2010 at 10:27 PM
An inspiring woman, thank you for sharing about her. She has made a difference through her life and you are ensuring she continues to do so through inspiring us all to make a difference in her memory.
Thank you and may peace be in your heart as you remember her.
Posted by: TrishaCarter | December 28, 2010 at 10:07 PM
May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
Posted by: Uzochukwu C. E. | December 28, 2010 at 08:33 PM
Thanks for sharing your appreciation for your mother's greatness. She really lived her heart and soul's contribution fully. Losing your mother is a profound experience. The quotes you shared are a great reminder for all of us. Each of us has come here to express the contribution that only we can make. That is the essence of success. Thank you for being a contribution to all of us.
Posted by: Michaela Rosenberger | December 28, 2010 at 05:36 PM
Dear Bob,
Thank you for sharing some glimpses into your Mother's life through the thoughtful quotes. I found this Steve Jobs' quote especially interesting:
"Almost everything - all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important... You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart."
As a 75-year-old woman I feel this way often and find acting upon it so very liberating. Long before her death at 90, I suspect your Mother did too.
Posted by: Darlene Cook | December 28, 2010 at 02:18 PM
My heart is with you, Robert. The loss of a beloved mother is like no other. May your journey through grief lead you to a new and wonder-filled way of staying in communication with her.
Posted by: Dianne Edleman | December 28, 2010 at 12:33 PM
Thanks for sharing about your mom and for your beautiful tribute to her. While I can't know your personal journey, I lost my own mom about 18 months ago and I do know that it is a significant time in your life. Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss and my wish for you to find peace on your journey through grief.
And I love what you said about your mom being responsible for all that is good in you. Your mom's legacy lives on through you and I have no doubt that she is very proud of the man that you are and of all that you do to help others.
Thanks also for sharing the beautiful quotes. They deeply touched my heart.
Posted by: Julia Mattern | December 28, 2010 at 11:27 AM
Robert, what a time of change....so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. She must have been such a wonderful woman to have a son as generous and kind as you are. You're both in my prayers.
Posted by: Shirley | December 28, 2010 at 10:34 AM
Robert - our thoughts and prayers are with you but it sounds like your Mom was phenomenal. I'm sure she's smilling down from heaven as we speak. With sympathy, David Landis
Posted by: David Landis | December 28, 2010 at 10:26 AM
Thank you for sharing about your beautiful mom. It is obvious she touched many lives and now she touches many through you.
One thought from my own belief system - is that death does not end our relationship with our loved ones. I read once that the wall between this life and the next is very thin and love makes the transition easily.
I am sure your mom is watching over you as much as ever. Parents don't let a little thing like death stop them from loving and taking care of their kids (no matter how old they are).
Posted by: Patricia | December 28, 2010 at 10:00 AM
Robert my heart goes out to you. Thanks for sharing this beautiful and inspiring post.
Posted by: Christine Fisher | December 28, 2010 at 09:31 AM
I'm sorry for your loss. And thank you for the quotes. As the year "ends" we need to realize it's just a sign of a new "beginning" and that it's important to not get so hung up on the silliness of ego but to find something important to be passionate about.
Posted by: Lara Fabans | December 28, 2010 at 09:21 AM
I think your mom was very wise and it seems as though you catch 'glimpses' of her in the words and actions of others.
My Best wishes,
Posted by: john | December 28, 2010 at 09:14 AM