Funny how one can know that a dear person's death is imminent, yet still be shaken to the core when it happens...
As Elias noted in his eloquent remarks, I met ML via the Liberty Round table. There, we called her "Susan, Lady Knight", as she'd affirmed the Knight of Non-Aggression oath Lobo wrote. I don't recall when she took on the handle of "Mama Liberty", but it was so perfect for her. Anyone who wanted or needed mothering, she'd provide it, all with her unwavering commitment to the plain truth and the principles of liberty and self-ownership.
Having lost my mom at a fairly young age, she became my second mama, and a beloved grandma to the snolfs (my kids, for those who don't know me). During a span of years when we'd fairly regularly drive across the continent, she'd always tell me we were welcome to stop by... and we did a few times. Doing so meant another day on the road for us, which was no small thing with two rambunctious kids, but it was always worthwhile to all three of us. She fed us our first elk steaks (delicious!), took us on a foraging hike with her, and let the kids play with Rascal as much as he'd tolerate. They called her Grandma Susan, which gave her much enjoyment. She was kind and caring to them, but treated them with the same respect she gave to any adult who earned it, as was always her way. Being with her was always a balm for my spirit.
Starting up a correspondence with her again recently, my plan was to focus on her... try to comfort her, amuse her, distract her from her pain if I could. I think I managed a little of that, but in her usual way, she was soon mothering me, encouraging me, and supporting me. I reminded her of the
interview I did with her for Sunni's Salon; the memory pleased her, and she said she'd check it out. As was always her way, she didn't shy away from difficult questions and didn't play language games. All of us who knew her will miss her wise counsel.
She allowed me—almost encouraged me—to ask her about her observations and thoughts on her own impending death. I teach psychology, and our developmental psych class is required for pre-nursing students; so I explored the subject of dying and death with her. As usual, her insightful comments went far beyond what I could have hoped for in my wildest dreams.
I hadn't heard from Susan in a few days and Tuesday, in quite unexpected places, I came across two pro-freedom quotations: one from Mencken and one from Rose Wilder Lane. It gave me pause, but I was busy and didn't give it much thought. After learning of Susan's death, I'm tempted to think that it wasn't a coincidence.
As so many are, I am deeply saddened by her departure; but more than that, I am happy and relieved that she is out of pain. She helped me become a better person in many ways; and I know others feel that way too. In our talk about her impending demise, she said she hoped she'd be remembered... I told her that the ripples of her influence had already spread beyond what she knew, both in her nursing care and in her steadfast work for the cause of individual liberty, and that the good she's done in the world will continue to spread.
Years and years ago—I think not long after she moved to Wyoming—she gifted me a small sprig of true peppermint. Through many moves and efforts (not always intentional) to kill it, that plant has endured. After our most recent move, it was ignored for several months... months of drought in a hot desert climate. When I remembered it and started tending to it, it looked very dead; and I was close to despair over it (I didn't know of Mama's illness at that time). With a bit of steady care, it has come back and is looking healthy. Not lush just yet, but mint is tenacious... just like ML's commitment to liberty. I see the plant every day now, and it reminds me of her steadfast presence in so many lives.
For those who want to toast her memory, she did love a wee dram of whisky. And has already been said, her love of gardening—orchids, herbs, and plants of almost all kinds—is a great way to honor her.
Rest in peace, Mama. You are free at last.
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Topic: Day In, Day Out, Year After Year _ Here's To Mama Liberty! (Read 5726 times)