Lynda’s Journal – For My Mother at Eighty

Post #707 – on August 23. 2025

For my Mother at Eighty,  recalls one Christmas Eve at my Mother’s home, December 24, 1999..

Mom did not know, nor did we, that this was the last time our family would ever be together Christmas  Eve.  However, I had a silent, lingering  premonition that this was Mom’s last Christmas with our family together.

Mom and Dad had built our family home in 1957, when I was fourteen, . All four of their children grew up in this house.

Shortly after Christmas Eve in 1999,

Esther Luella Kirker McKinney was diagnosed with dementia.

For this special night with our family, I wrote a poem about our home and family life.  I made copies that I distributed to each family member that evening.

My copy of that poem, printed on Christmas stationary, is framed and is on display ever since that night in my home.

Mine is a precious treasure to me, for it shares the love and bonds we all enjoyed  together growing up in that house. I am the oldest of four children. Mom and Dad had two daughters, and two sons. As I write the article today, my sister, Patti, and I are the two  remaining  children.

Since that night in 1999,  our family  never again gathered  together for Christmas or any other holiday.

“There is something about losing a mother that is permanent and inexpressible — a wound that will never quite heal.” — /Susan Wiggs, “The Goodbye Quilt”-

In this poem I am  celebrating my FIRST  published poem  to appear in  Magnets and Ladders_Spring/Summer Edition, 2012  Read it here.

Thank you, Mary-Jo Lord, Editor of Magnets and Ladders: Active Voices of writers with disabilities. My work has appeared regularly in the journal since that first poem was published. Read the latest publication of Magnets and Ladders Spring/Summer Edition 2025

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Did you know?

Beginning in 2025, I will be publishing many of my previously -published poems from  past years.

I have a large publication history, dating back to 1980.

I am pleased to share this very special poem in memory of my mother today – Mother’s Day.

As I share this poem, I whisper, “Happy Mother’s Day Mom!”

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The Poem:

For My Mother at Eighty

by Lynda McKinney Lambert

My mother has forgotten what day it is
her children’s birthdays have vanished
strangers have moved into her house.

She’s forgotten about teeth and hair
no longer needs to carry a purse –
My mother has forgotten what day it is.

Her treasured possessions
laid out on tables, put up for sale –
Strangers have moved into her house.

Her drawers emptied of clothing,
food removed from her kitchen –
My mother has forgotten what day it is.

Her long days maneuver slowly
between rows of walkers –
Strangers have moved into her house.

Women watch her face from behind the cards
she does not know how to win –
My mother has forgotten what day it is.
Strangers have moved into her house

 More About Lynda

Below is Lynda’s Bio as it  appears  in the summer of 2025 in

Food, Flowers, Medicine: And Other Gifts From the Garden, Anthology, 2025

Want to know more bout this new book?   Read  here

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Lynda McKinney Lambert writes and creates visual art from her vintage home in the Village of Wurtemburg, in Western Pennsylvania. She writes poetry and personal nonfiction essays. She currently has six published books available at all retail booksellers. Her artworks have appeared in international exhibitions, including Japan, New Guinea, Austria, and the United States.  Lynda retired from her position as Professor of Fine Art and Humanities at Geneva College in 2008 due to profound sight loss. She invites readers to discover the subtle nuances  and beauty of a physical and spiritual world as she weaves strands from history, nature, and her personal life experiences.

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©Lynda McKinney Lambert, 2025.

Magnets and Ladders,  Read it in Magnets and Ladders

https://www.magnetsandladders.org/wp/?p=71#ForMyMotheratEighty,LyndaJ.Lambert18

In Memory of Esther Luella Kirker McKinney (April 20, 1920 – March 3, 2007)

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Thank you for visiting  today!