Comments on: In Memory of My Mother, Ardie Rodale

By: mary

mary — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 04:49:51 +0000

I just wanted to let you know that this letter really touched me casue my mother passed away 5 years ago and she had it for 13 years, but I just wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed reading it and sharing your battle with you…………..

By: Myra Bowie

Myra Bowie — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 02:11:13 +0000

I used to aint Ardie’s folk art books and have misplaced some of them. Is this Ardie your mother. If so I felt I knew her. She was such an inspiration. I loved her books. Please let me know if this was who I have been looking for Thanks so much and you have my prayers.

By: Marsha David

Marsha David — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 01:33:53 +0000

Marie~

I have been behind in my reading of Prevention…………….and just found out today that your Mother had passed away.

I love all of her writings and wish you and all of your family peace during this time.

Marsha

By: Chris K.

Chris K. — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 23:08:26 +0000

Having my dad just pass last week from terminal cancer at 84, and being the youngest of 6, I can relate to the gray area of emotions and feelings dealing with a strong parental figure who was willful, driven, and though loyal to family, self-absorbed and having little care for engaging in his childrens’ goals, let alone remembering birthdays or ages. Even when I had the chance one-on-one to discuss his cancer and the finality of it–he only asked irately–”what do you want of me?’ And all I said was compassion–for those also having to live with and suffer along side his cancer. Life seems to go on hold to a degree during cancer, making every decision overly executed, and every holiday or family event artifically special. I’m glad to stop holding my breath now and let life resume. He was a good man. But I want to be a better person based of his experiences, and if nothing else, live compassionately.

By: Eleanor Levie

Eleanor Levie — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 21:03:54 +0000

Just ordered Our Roots Grow Deep. Can’t wait to read it.

By: Eleanor Levie

Eleanor Levie — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 20:58:36 +0000

You wrote, “Too much leisure makes us bored, and before you know it we are cleaning things out, writing books, and, in general, trying to save the world.” I wish too much leisure on you, Maria, so you will combine these rich eulogies and more into a book about your family…and thereby wrap (y)our values and causes into entertaining stories that impact dear readers everywhere. As the producer of Rodale’s Successful Quilting Library series, vols. 8-15, I’d sure love to see such a book illustrated with art quilts and folk art! How about a memory quilt for Ardis? You can do it!…but after you commit your elegant and folksy prose to book form!

By: Everette Carr

Everette Carr — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 18:28:19 +0000

Your mother was a strong and courages woman. She stood tall when compared to other women and many men. Your words, your thoughts of your mother show a warm, trusting relationship. We will all miss her greatly.

By: Kathryn

Kathryn — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:11:41 +0000

Maria – So sorry for your loss. Your words about your mother are beautiful, honest and very touching. I hope my children will be able to say some of the very same things about me when it’s my time to crossover. May your loss be eased by knowing that her spirit lives on (in heaven and in you and your children).

By: Donna in Delaware

Donna in Delaware — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 03:28:57 +0000

I am dreading the day that I lose my husband. He is quite a bit older than I (that doesn’t necessaily mean that he will pass before me, but the chance is greater). He is very strong willed and stubborn, full of inner strength like your mother. I pray that I will have the courage and strength to deal with his passing the way that you have dealt with the loss of your mother. It doesn’t matter if they are sick or not, we always want them to be with us physically, much less spiritually. I will continually hold you in my thoughts and prayers, that you will continue to be strengthened in your time of sorrow. All the best.

By: Scott

Scott — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 03:48:31 +0000

Wonderful tribute. I lost my father-in-law 5 years ago, and I know it is not the same, but he was in many ways more father to me than my own. He was also a complicated man to his family, especially, and a fighter. And so I think of him when I read your words and am thankful for those people who challenge us and make us who we are.

My prayers are with you and your family.