day of rest

granny and dad by emma emory
We seem to give them back to you, O God, who gave them to us. 
Yet as you did not lose them in giving, so we do not lose them by their return. 
Not as the world gives do you give, O Lover of souls. 
What you give you take not away, for what is yours is ours also if we are yours.
And life is eternal, and love is immortal, and death is only an horizon,
and an horizon is nothing, save the limit of our sight. 
Lift us up, strong Son of God, that we may see further; 
cleanse our eyes that we may see more clearly; 
draw us closer to yourself that we may know ourselves to be nearer our
loved ones who are with you.
And while you do prepare a place for us, prepare us also for that happy place,
that where you are, we may be also for evermore.–Fr Bede Jarrett O.P. (order of preachers)

It Is Well (With My Soul)
It Is Well (With My Soul) performed and used here courtesy of my friend David Ezell.

Resting in Peace, Emma Gray Emory, born June 18, 1922. Died February 8, 2014.
This photo taken by her grand-daughter, Emma, February 3, 2014.

Author: WmX

I stumbled off the track to success in 1968, started chasing shadows that summer. Since then, In addition to farm-laborer and newspaper photographer my occupational incarnations include dishwasher, janitor, retail photo clerk, plumber, HVAC repairman, auto mechanic, CAT scan technologist, computer worker and politico (whatever it takes to buy a camera.) I am on the road to understanding black and white photography.

18 thoughts on “day of rest”

  1. Bon voyage, EG, and have a good rest. You earned it.

    Bill, thanks so much for the gift of this picture and for sharing EG with us all these years. There are no adequate words, except my heart is hurting for you, dear friend. Hope my mom was one of the eager crowd gathered to welcome your mom when she arrived, and envelop her in love.

  2. Bill, I’m so sorry you lost your Mom. I hope she found peace as I hope you find comfort from it. Losing those that gave us life is natural and eventual, but never easy. 91 years is a real good ride.
    You are in my thoughts today, my friend.
    Be well,
    Paul

  3. Dear Bill,
    What a beautiful picture of you and your sweet mama. God bless her soul and peace be with you. We love you. Roseanna

  4. Good to hear your voice. Thank you for the wonderful picture. We love you so much and will be giving you hugs soon.

  5. Oh Bill. Your loving, peaceful soul and your limitless love for your dear Mother are palpable in this photo and post. I am so touched by the spirituality, one-ness, and fluidity expressed here. May your dear Mother rest in peace and also be one with you and your girls all of the days of your lives. In contemplating my parents’ mortality and my own, I aspire to the grace you’ve shared with us here.

  6. You are held in our heart this day, Bill. This photograph and song is one of love and we send it back to you in a never-ending circle.

  7. My beautiful Aunt!!! And you Billy look like a playful Elf, loving on her. What a magical moment captured. Love you all!!!

  8. Oh dear Bill – what a great lady and a powerful soul and a valiant warrior. How hard to let her go, but how well deserved and blessed her rest. I will remember her and you in my prayers.

  9. Bill

    This picture is wonderful. . . . She looks so comfortable with you….

    Ed

  10. Dearest Bill– my heart goes out to you and your family. Your mother was a light to all who knew her. Her light has not been extinguished with her departure; it shines on through her children and grand-children. May the sadness of this day pass in due time, leaving only memories of happy times to share with those who loved her. Affectionately -L

  11. Bill, I am sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing so much love in your picture and with these words.

  12. Dear Bill, thank you for sharing this and I’m sorry for your loss and sorry for my intrusion by my earlier email. You have been such an attentive and loving son to the very end. Thank you for the beautiful picture and the uplifting prayer. Kay Slaughter

  13. Bill,

    Sympathy to you and your family, upon the passing of your lovely mother.
    May you be consoled while mourning and comforted in the days further following.

    Scott B.

  14. Bill, What a truly lovely photograph and tribute. Thanks for sharing her with us. Love, Mary

  15. Bill- such a great picture.
    My heart goes out to you and your family.

  16. Bill–Somehow, don’t ask me how, I found your website and your lovely photographs. So sorry for your loss. My mother, Peggy Gordon Seiler, was a great friend of your mother’s. Mom died last summer, also at Westminster Canterbury–my father is still there, doing remarkably well at 94! He visited with your mom a few times last year. I only met your mother a few times but she was so kind to all the Seilers–we enjoyed the use of her wonderful pool many times during summer months when she was out of town. I heard about you from my mother. They were classmates at St. Catherine’s–and Sweet Briar? Your photographs are exquisite. Perhaps we’ll meet some day. I live in Brooklyn NY with my husband, who is a visual artist, and our 2 daughters. I’m a teacher. All the best to you and your family!

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