This is the first year in my life that Mother’s Day has happened without my Mom. We lost her recently to one of those nasty things people suffer from as they grow old- the one that hides their memories. While it was complicated, the bottom line was that time caught up with Caryl Charnquist Knudsen, our Mom.
Now I can tell you that she grew up in Vanport/Guilds Lake, where the family was flooded out of their home in 1948 when the Columbia River roared a wall of water 15 feet over the flood plain level. Or I can discuss how her Father abandoned her and her family, leaving them without means. Or her time on N. Kirby Street as a student at Jefferson High School, where she graduated way ahead of schedule. Maybe I can boast of her beauty and intelligence and how she married an All-American football player. But I won’t.
I can say that our Mother found her purpose with us kids and managed a 40-plus-year career with the Edward’s Center, helping people with developmental special abilities and changing the world as she did. From the early years in Garden Home to the old Orenco farm, to the farm in Kinton, to Hillsboro’s Singing Woods, she did it all loving and transformationally. Her tenderness, careful lessons, and ability to listen and teach were all hallmarks of her excellence.
Today, we stand as an imperfect yet formidable rabble of humanity. Four children, many grandchildren, and greats, too—we are here carrying on in the best ways we can, just as she taught us. She will be forever missed, and she is still here with us. We miss her just as all who had a great Mother do. But for me, and I am sure my siblings, there are things we wish we could have said or time we should have spent with her. Alas, it is too late now.
So today, I encourage those of you who have a Mother to tell them what they mean to you. I wish for all of you that you find all the good things your Moms taught and gave you, and remember them and let them know. For those like me who have lost your Mom, I encourage you to celebrate them. Make a post, light a candle, leave flowers, or raise a glass to them. However you do it, please honor them.
Happy Mother’s Day everyone. And to all you Moms out there, please remember that even if you do not hear from or see your kids today, they still need and love you. May this be a day of joy and remembrance to us all.
Just Beautiful Dirk.
Thank you for honoring our mom & all mothers today🩵
I really couldn’t say anything without saying everything. But I felt I had to say something on behalf of all Moms. We will never be the same without her, but we are so much more because of her. So it is with the givers, teachers, and tender ones. They are remembered as deeply as the deepest oceans, and their waves wash up eternally upon the shores that the lucky ones like us find ourselves standing on. She was and always will be a timeless classic. Her life like a deep well of encouragement to all she touched. Thank you, big Sister, for your very kind words. I know you are hurting and lost today without her. Take heart, for we are with you.
What a beautiful tribute Kirk. Thankyou for sharing.
Foibles and foolishness, very human hallmarks, surmounted by kindness, forgiveness, acceptance, and love . . Nailed that one Dirk