I was saddened to learn of the passing of Edith Newton. For the few, brief years I had known her, she and her husband, Carroll, were both very welcoming and kind to me. I truly enjoyed the time I spent in Edith’s company, as chatting with her was a true delight, just as chatting with her husband was equally enjoyable. Edith and her husband were both very generous to me, generous of both their time, and their Human Spirit. I have very fond memories of Sundays at their little lake behind Joyce’s Home. It was a special time to go fishing on the lake, and then have a meal with the family at Carroll’s and Edith’s trailer on the lake. Sometimes we were all treated to some fresh “Snapping Turtle”, cooked to perfection. And for all of Edith’s Family, and Loved Ones, I Offer This: May Good Fortune, Good Health, Happiness, And The Many Blessings Of This Good Life Fall Upon You In Abundance, And Remain Forever, Your Constant Companions. I wrote the poem I have included below, right after the Mother of a High School Friend of mine had passed away, one year ago. So I dedicated the poem to her memory. But, since this poem is really about “All Mothers”, I hereby dedicate this poem to the Life and Memory of Edith Newton. Inhale Exhale (Born & Born Again) Mother: She is the wellspring Of your life. You emerge From within That soothing security, That loving comfort Of your Mother’s Body. Your blood, Your bone, Your flesh, Your body Is of her body. Now disconnected, Separated, You cry, You wail At your profound loss. You Inhale! From that moment Of your new life, Though separated In the flesh, Your Mother Will remain Your refuge, Your fortress of healing To soothe Your hurt, Your pain, Your suffering. And she will be Your Joshua’s Horn, Trumpeting your successes, And extolling your virtues To the world In resounding Celebration; And crumbling The self-imposed walls Of your own insecurities, Your uncertainties, Your fears. And as your Own life Blossoms, As you grow Into your Own body And find your way In life; Still, Still you will seek To reconnect To your Mother, To be soothed, To be comforted, To be instilled With hopefulness Within the refuge Of her love. For nothing Of this Earth, Nothing of the flesh, Or of the Human Spirit, Connects you to your Own life, As does your Mother. And when that Day arrives, As it will For you, As it does For us all, And your Mother, For the very Last time: Exhales! You will cry, And you will wail Once again For your Profound loss; Just as you did As a child Born of a new life. And indeed, There will be New Life, For your Mother’s Human Spirit Will be Reborn Into God’s Kingdom; And she will become A Child of God! And when Your tears Have lessened, You can rejoice And celebrate Your Mother’s New Life. And in the days That follow, When you Require refuge, When you seek Comfort, And healing, Just close your Eyes And imagine Yourself Held within Your Mother’s arms, And immersed Within your Mother’s Love. And if you Remain still, And strong In your belief, I am certain You will hear The Trumpeting Of Joshua’s Horn. CWCrouch/MLC August 12, 2015