If there was one expression my Norwegian mother used the most, it was this one... uff da...The literal meaning is 'uncomfortable, sad, compassion, empathy or annoyance' ... What WE 3 kids heard from the uff da was... oh shucks, or dadgummit, or bless your heart! It became so familiar to hear that expression, that the 3 of us picked it up too, and to this day I say it, so do my kids, and now their kids.
If we fell and scraped a knee, or when a mosquito landed on one of us, or when something spilled, etc., etc.... her comment was always uff da.
Sometimes a Norwegian word fits the situation far better than an English one.
So it seems fitting that after my mom had her final stroke and went to heaven, the final words she said in the hospital were uff da. I've thought of it so many times. It expressed where she was and what she was feeling.
I wonder what the Norwegian word was when she passed into eternity and saw Jesus face for the first time??
I know it had to be good!
7 comments:
It does seem to work for any situation. How poignant that they were your mom's last words here. Certainly not there! Have you visited The Way We Are today? I thought of Debbie as I read this.
I'm thinking maybe she shouted, "JA!"
Love the words that we remember from growing up. I especially like some of the words that my sons *invented*.
Like fingnagles (fingernails) and eyebyes (eyebrows).
I don't know what my final words will be on this earth, but I sure hope the first words I hear in heaven will be:
"Well done, good and faithful servant!"
GOD BLESS!
I call those kinds of things treasure moments. They are the little things that someone says or does that are so special that you never forget them. Of all the words or phrases she could have said last, that little phrase must have given you so many smiles since that day.
I wonder if there is any word in any language that expresses what she saw when she actually reached Glory.
I've always believed that that would be the one instant in all eternity that I would actually be speechless.
You had my interest with the title uff da! We heard that often in my home growing up. My parents and grandparents all said that. I even say it myself once in a while. I'm so glad we have our Norwegian heritage in common Sonja. You are like a sister to me.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
What a precious, precious post. I can just hear my grandmother at this point...words really are strong.
Thanks for sharing...it made me smile, as I say to my kids, Yes sweetheart, just like my mother-in-law does!
Uff da! Very funny. I am using those words too here in Norway:)
Too bad I can't hear you pronounce this one; I'm thinking about adding it to my vocabulary. It will be fun to see if my family can figure out the meaning.
peace~elaine
Post a Comment