12.29.2009

The Rose of the Valley

This post is dedicated to my dear mother - Sharon de Lynn Moore Peterson. She passed peacefully at 2 a.m. this morning, January 1st, 2010 - a personality as broad as the horizon, I know she is at peace and at this moment, browsing at the most magnificent yarn shop in heaven.

A house perched at what seems like at the edge
of the sky

A pair of Nutcrackers watching guard by day or night.

Views in the morning light,

views with snow so bright,

blanket the earth and bring holiday cheer,

if only snow came every year.
The towering tree decorated by a loving man,for his ambrosial bride since the year of 52'

for me, for you; it would mean so much,

that every detail had his tender touch.
Santas and snowmen and trees all abound,
vintage tubas and trumpets from this seasoned band man.

The valley's still land lay hush,
Christmas Eve to unfold, unfurled with a rush;
for there will be no other like there was that night.

I hold the memory for eternity dear to my heart.To make a long story short - I made it home for Christmas. My father called to say my mother would not last until the New Year and I was on the plane in 24 hours. This is the home my parents had built (brother designed) the year mom was diagnosed with cancer. Father decorated their home for Christmas perfectly and with such love that it was incredibly touching. He even made sure she had a tiny tree on her dressing table even though she could no longer use it.

~ THAT is LOVE ~
Wishing you a triumphant ending to 2009 and a wish to you from me for a
New Year to bring the love and passion we all live our lives for.

Making the moments count.

{go forth & live responsibly}
New Year New Hopes

78 comments:

Brabourne Farm said...

I have tears in my eyes reading this beautiful post. There is no greater gift in life than to be truly loved. It's such an honour to be able to visit this wonderful house just for a few moments and to feel all the love that lives there - thank you. I'm thinking of you. Leigh

Toad said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. Please accept a hug for you and your family from our family.

benson said...

what a beautiful love story of a family. Keep her in your heart.

Julie@beingRUBY said...

Oh Deb
What a truly beautiful home! Beautiful in style, views, but mostly in spirit and Love!!! A family' love for each other!

I am thinking of you and your family often these days and hope 2010 brings new hope and treasured memories to comfort you ... Love Julie

Emily+Anthony said...

That Mr. Peterson - what an incredible guy! Thinking of Gram surrounded by her beautiful children and grandchildren in that gorgeous home filled with love, brings tears to my eyes. Keeping you and your family close in my heart and in my prayers Deb.

Christy said...

Oh I've got tears in my eyes Deb. I am so glad for you that you made it home. I hope 2010 is so much more joyful for you! Big hugs. Love, Christy

SpryOnTheWall said...

What a sweet, wonderful post. I too am very teary eyed. What a lovely house what a lovely story. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Many hugs! Jenny

Anonymous said...

oh my. the dearest story. such devotion. i'm so sorry. sending love and hugs. i'm happy you were 'home'. be well.
love, katie

Anonymous said...

Deb, this is one of the most beautiful posts I have ever read. I knew the news must not be good when it appeared you were back home. I am so sorry for you all. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love to you. Pam

Jacqueline @ HOME said...

My dear friend Deb,
What a difficult time it has been for you this Christmas.
I just adore this wonderful tribute to the fantastic effort that your father has put in for your mother. It all looks perfect ..... and, of course, the house is just wonderful. The style, the views, but mostly that it was designed by your brother and had so much love put into it for Christmas. Thinking of you always, Deb at this difficult time and I wish you many, many happy times in 2010,
With much love. XXXX

LenoreNeverM♡re said...

me too Deb got teary (waterproof mascara)
You've gone through a hard time. I must say it's such a beautiful house & more importantly a beautiful LOVE story~
BIG xo & much love to you dear~

Averill said...

I'm so glad you made it up to WA for the holidays -- and your parents' home looks like an absolutely gorgeous and loving place to spend them. My thoughts are with you and your family as you go through this emotional time.

I'll be spending tomorrow attending the memorial service of a dear h/s friend who decided to take his life on Christmas day...a horrible but potent reminder of how precious our time really is.

Couture Carrie said...

What a stunning home, darling!
Happy New Year!

xoxox,
CC

vicki archer said...

Thinking of you and your family Deb. Christmas, what a bittersweet time it is, xv.

Anonymous said...

Wow, Debbie.....I'm speechless. I've never read a post with so much heartfelt emotion. Simply beautiful.....the house, the decorations, your words, wow. I am also quickly reminded why your Dad was always one of my favorites....it is no great surprise that even during difficult times, he puts everyone else, first. God love him, and your family! Kim Ingalls-Allen

Anthony said...

It truly IS a beautiful home, but it's obvious that the LOVE dwelling within has made it so much more than just furniture, windows, and walls. I find your father's love to be incredibly touching. And I would imagine that your mother must also be pretty special in order to receive such love & devotion. :)

My wish is that you and your family can make it through this difficult time with a whole LOT of LOVE and very little pain... (I know, not very likely on the second part. But I can wish!)

Unknown said...

What a beautiful, wonderful post! So warm and so delightful! This house is magnificent, it feel like LOVE lives in every corner of it. I am wishing you the most wonderful New Year filled with joy, gifts, love and happiness.:-)

La Petite Gallery said...

What a wonderful view in that dinning room.
Wishing you a good 2010 in every way.
Yvonne

Laura @ 52 FLEA said...

A beautiful home and story...both filled with love. I wish you comfort and peace in the new year.

Kitty said...

omg.omg. omg. absolutely beautiful post. amazing testament to love and the human heart. thanks and happy new year!

Beth Connolly said...

Deb-A lovely post. My best to you for a Happy New Year after a very difficult year for you.

Southern Aspirations said...

When I started reading, I wondered if it was your parents' home... I too ended up teary-eyed. Gorgeous views- inside and out. So glad you made it home for Christmas. Thinking of you in this difficult time. Not to sound blase, but so glad for you that there is that much love in the house!

Keith said...

Happy New Year! I hope you've been having a great holiday season. Mine has been wonderful except for my cable modem dying on me. I just did a new post with a big announcement in it. I hope you'll check it out. Thanks. Take care. Have a fantastic holiday weekend. Cheers!

Chicago Chic said...

Wow this is so beautiful and touching. I'm so glad you made it home for Christmas and I have to say that I used to live in Seattle area, Washington State is just gorgeous!

Happy New Year and much blessings for 2010, my friend.
xoxoxo
Rachel

Anonymous said...

A beautiful tribute, Deb. Thank you for sharing with us! Love and hugs, Sharon & Charles

Francine Gardner said...

Truly a beautiful home. For your mother to have received such love from her husband and family,that is the deep and real meaning of life.
My prayers and hopes are with you.

Hope that 2010 brings you some solace and renewal, joy and peace, love and laughter.
Francine

FROM THE RIGHT BANK said...

What a beautiful home and love story. You are in my thoughts, Deb. Take care. xoxo, Ally

The Townhouselady said...

Deb,

What a beautiful story, beautiful home and a beautiful loving family. I'm all verklempt!

Have a brilliantly happy and healthy 2010.

Barbara said...

I loved this post, my friend. So sweet and full of love. As is your lovely home.

I am saddened by your loss and send you a great big hug on this New Year's Eve.

May we all have a wonderful, happy and healthy New Year, Deb.

The Elegant Thrifter said...

What a beautiful post. I was lured in by the gorgeous photos of the house on the hill and then touched and enchanted by the story. Your father is a wonderful man to have creating such a stunning home for your mother and then honoring her throughout. May your 2010 be comforting, peaceful and full of loving memories. Stan

Linda [Forever Champagne] said...

I am so sadden to read of your loss... words cannot express how much this post has touched me. I truly hope 2010 will bring you and your family much comfort and happiness.

All the very best,

Linda xoxo

Iva Messy said...

an exceptionally touching and beautiful post Deb. I am so very sorry for your loss. Please stay strong. I wish you a very happy new year.

Sarah said...

What a nice post. I'm sure your Dad was happy to have you there. You can see the love they had.

Unknown said...

Oh, I am so sad :(, I am really sorry for your loss. What a beautiful home your parents built together. May 2010 be a time of beautiful new beginnings for all of you with lots of happy memories.
My heart goes out to you.
*kisses* HH

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

I can only imagine how difficult this Christmas was for you. You are in my prayers today. I love the idea of your mother browsing the heavenly yarn shops. I just know we will be able to knit there. Perhaps she can show me the best places to go when I get there myself. I am sending much love your way and best wishes for a better new year.

Terry said...

We husbands do know we have "ambrosial brides" even if we don't express it well. It's beyond our understanding why such wonderful women are willing to make a precious family with us. So to your family and especially your dad: memories of this dear woman will bring joy to your hearts every day of your life.

lisa golightly said...

Deb, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. It is so apparent that you inherited much more from your family than amazing style. More importantly, the gift and ability to express what is inside your beautiful heart. So very touching. Let the memories carry you through. xoxo, Lisa

alison said...

'Making the moments count' - yes, that is so important. I'm sure you have shared many wonderful moments with your mother and you will have the memories of those special times that you will always treasure. x

debra@dustjacket said...

Debs this has been such a tough year .. My heart goes out to you and your family.

Your beautiful post is just so touching, showing such love and kindness for your darling mother. Your father sounds like the best husband, truly.

What a beautiful house they built together, you must have so many happy memories.

If I could I reach over and give you the longest hug my sweet,I would.

My wish is that 2010 will be a happy year for you,

love D

Janet said...

BIG HUG for you. What a beautiful tribute to your mother. Wishing you the best.

MFAMB said...

beautiful. just beautiful. the home, the post, your awesome loving father...i am so sorry for your loss deb. so so sorry. i promise to make you laugh a little this year...i hope it helps.
xxxxxxxxxxoooooooooooooJ and an extra hug.

Renée Finberg said...

D,
what an incredible man your dad is!
i am sorry for you loss.

my dad, whom i adored...
died on JANUARY 1ST 2001.
*did you know that every thoroughbred
(no matter what month they are born in )
celebrate their birthdays on january 1st?
he loved horses (as i do) and bred only thoroughbreds.
he was a thoroughbred!
just like your mom.

you and i are thoroughbreds as well.
happy new year
ps every new year's i celebrate his life and who he was to me.

big hug....love you

JennyMac said...

Sending a big hug and prayers for you and your family.

DesignTies said...

Deb, this is probably the most beautiful and heartfelt blog post I've ever read. My heart goes out to you and your family....

Take care,

Kelly

Lori said...

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time ~ sounds like the perfect couple with a house overflowing with love.

Anonymous said...

So sorry for your loss. Such a beautiful tribute.

Splenderosa said...

Deb, you are an amazing woman. This post is absolutely beautiful & filled with love for your family. I do hope to meet you some day.
Come to Puerto Vallarta to visit me...it would be my pleasure to have you. Marsha

Lisa Porter said...

Deborah,
What a tender, sweet tribute to your mother and your father and the lovely life that they had. Your gentle pride in them both comes through so clearly here, I know she must be watching over your shoulder.
I will keep you in my prayers always,
xoxo Lisa

Angie Muresan said...

Oh, I am so very sorry for your loss. My mom also has cancer and I cannot imagine the day when I will be without her. My heart goes out to you, your brother and your daddy. I have no words of comfort, other than that I pray for your peace.

Lipstick said...

I am so very sorry to read about your mother. What a beautiful post....and my goodness, your father, well...I can't seem to stop the tears from flowing for thinking about his devotion.

Jg. for FatScribe said...

Deb -- there are no words that can express how touched I am by your lovely thoughts and words regarding your mother's passing and your father's love. there is not a dry eye, i am sure, in the many, many heartfelt responses to this post. thank you for your well-wishes for us, and we send those same sentiments to you and your amazing family. God bless. -John g.

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

I am so so sorry for your loss! My prayers are with you and your family. I hope you are able to find peace.

Duchess of Tea said...

My darling Deb, I am so sorry for your loss. Luv, I know exactly how you feel at this moment, you see, I too recently lost my mum on her birthday, the 20th of April. Deb, I am here to support you in your grieving process. It is my heartfelt wish that the memories of the years you had with your mum will sustain and bring you strength and peace. Be strong and just know that you are not alone, she's there with you in spirit and is watching over you and your family.

My deepest sympathy and love to you and yours.
Duchess

hello gorgeous said...

Beautiful post. No words.

xoxo

Haven and Home said...

Hi Deb,

This post made me cry. I am so sorry to hear about your mother but I know there is comfort thinking about her in the big yarn shop in the sky. I hope 2010 brings you hope, healing and happiness. What a special house.

Unknown said...

Dear Deb, I just stopped by to tell you that I keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. I keep re-reading this beutiful post, hoping that you are somehow dealing with sadness and loss. Many kind wishes your way.

Cathi said...

I am so sorry to read about your mothers passing...your dad decorating for Christmas was a true tribute of love to your mother. My heart and prayers go out to your family! xxoo

Marsi @ The Cottage Cheese said...

Oh sweetie, I'm so sorry about the loss of your Mom. Although she has been ill for some time, I know one can still never truly prepare oneself for the loss of someone so special. My heart goes out to you, and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your father gave your Mom such a wonderful, warm home for Christmas, and I'm so glad that you were able to make the trip to be with her. What a special, beautiful, and peaceful place for your Mom to spend her final years. I wish I could be there with you, to hold your hand, offer a shoulder to cry on, or anything else you might need. Take care of yourself Deb, and know that we are all thinking about you.

Emily said...

I'm so sorry for your loss, Deborah. You are in my thoughts.

Kalee said...

Your mother sounds like a truly incredible woman. Your tribute is both quite beautiful and touching and is clear that she will be dearly missed by all who knew her. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers during this time.

{g} said...

such a beautiful, beautiful post -- so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother and thinking of you

xo

red ticking said...

deb...many many hugs and prayers to you my darling... a lovelt tribute to your mother and father... bless his heart... and yours. xx pam

My Dog-Eared Pages said...

Dear Deb, it is so lovely that you made it home to be with your mother and father for Christmas. What a lovely tribute and lesson of love and a passion for life. oxo Barbara

Renée Finberg said...

i am lovin' your new - old banner.

xx renee

La Petite Gallery said...

Read this again and I am so very touched.
Sending you a warm hug. Your post was so good I came back to read and see it again.

Best wishes to you for the new year.

yvonne

bunny, The Paris House Designs said...

Deb I am so terribly sorry to read this news, I didn't know until this moment, my heart goes out to you. May your memories of your beautiful mother give you comfort and I wish 2010 is filled with much happiness in your life.
with prayers, hugs and much love
Bunny

Haute World said...

I'm a little late with catching up with blogs, but wanted to offer you my heartfelt condolences. I hope she passed away peacefully. What a beautiful house though and reading what your father did by decorating the house was truly touching.

Duchess of Tea said...

My darling, how are you doing? I have been thinking about you and have you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Deb darling a good friend of mine gave me this poem several days after my mum's passing, hope you don't mind if I share it with you.

“You can shed tears that she is gone,
or you can smile because she has lived.

You can close your eyes and pray that she'll come back, or you can open your eyes and see all she's left.

Your heart can be empty because you can't see her, or you can be full of the love you shared.

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember her only that she is gone,
or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back.

Or you can do what she'd want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.”

Love & Hugs
Duchess

My Notting Hill said...

What a beautiful tribute to your Mom and your Dad and their relationshop. I'm sorry for your great loss. Michele

GrannySmithGreen said...

Please know that my thoughts and prayers are for you and your family. Your tribute was touching. You must have a wonderful family-full of love and great memories!

Simply Mel {Reverie} said...

Oh sweet Deb, I am just catching up and feel so horrible being so late with my sympathies for you and your family. I know your mother was incredible because you are a true gem of a person, and we must credit our beloved parents for raising us and loving us as they did/do.
Cherish the memories and hold them dear to your heart forever and always....

Unknown said...

My sincere condolences to you and your family on the passing of your Mom.
Kindest Regards
Patricia

Jane said...

hi Deb - I have only just caught up on this sad news. I really feel for you and words cannot console or come close to helping with the pain but you obviously have a great family and you and your mother were lucky to have each other. I would that I could do better with my own mother. Make the time count, that is the key thing. Hugs and kisses. xoxo

Retro-luxe said...

So sorry for your loss. What a beautiful home. Wishing you and your family all the best.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

[URL=http://pornikscantesius5.solidwebhost.com/poisk/ishhu-rabotu-krovelshhika-g-moskva.html]ищу работу кровельщика г москва[/URL] вакансии технолога пищевых производств
[URL=http://pornis-henstoniulus4.solidwebhost.com/poisk/stroitelstvo-arkhitektura-jaroslavl-vakansii.html]строительство архитектура ярославль вакансии[/URL] астрахань вакансии матроса
ищу работу инженер пгс вакансии мироздание
вакансии управляющих компаний ищу работу таможенного брокера шереметьево
http://porniksulanis1.solidwebhost.com/poisk/index.html вакансия сметчика в городе электросталь
http://pornikscamilian0.freehostking.com/poisk/index.html вакансии бильд-редактора
tel:69403785984393

Anonymous said...

http://46thstreetstudio.com/big-tits-round-asses.html emily 18 hardcore free full length teen porn free big black women porn

Anonymous said...

10 buy mg nolvadex arizona
buy generic nolvadex new mexico
nolvadex buy oklahoma
buy nolvadex visa oregon
buy nolvadex and clomid online texas
nolvadex buy texas
, buy generic synthroid oceanside
, cheap synthroid west covina
synthroid overnight delivery online pharmacy philadelphia
synthroid buy richardson
synthroid overnight delivery online pharmacy kansas city
synthroid overnight delivery online pharmacy tampa