It is with regret and great sadness that I share with you that my mother has passed away. As many of you know, she was 83 and battling cancer for almost 3 years.
My dad and I (as well as other members of her family) were with her in those final moments. She went peacefully and without pain. I express gratitude more than words can say for the Hospice and nursing home caregivers -
she died with those 'angels' surrounding her.
We are very sad and trying to ease our pain by leaning on one another right now.
Much healing will hopefully happen in the days ahead.
My mom was a classy gal, full of life and love. All the many things she did in her life we are reminiscing about...but one thing most importantly was that she was always thinking of others - much of the time more than herself. She supported and encouraged us in whatever we wanted in life.
She was such a casual bird watcher and lover. As we arrived at the nursing home yesterday, where she was being cared for in her final days ~ I found solace in the gentle lilting song of a male cardinal from a nearby tree as we entered the doors. She would have heard it, too. She was always stopping us to listen and look. I learned so much about being a strong woman from her and am amazed at her strength as she faced her cancer with determination
and her commitment to acceptance of her 'plight'. Many times it seems life isn't fair but we are given the tools to deal with whatever comes our way - if we just accept it for what it is. Another source of my admiration of strength has been from my dad. He has been caregiving for my mom in such a devoted, loving, selfless and understanding way. Without his care and love, mom wouldn't have had that extra time with us all.
Those of you who have expressed your concern and sent well wishes my way, I hold them close to my heart.
MOM I love you - you were the best!
13 comments:
Oh Pattie, I'm so sorry :`( A beautiful tribute to your Mom. My thoughts are with you.
Thank you Kim for stopping by and leaving a nice comment - I so appreciate your words right now.
I'm so sorry Pattie. Much love to you and your family.
Pattie, it sounds as though you have had two wonderful parents, and I am so very sorry to hear about your mom. I hope that all of the loving, happy memories you have of her will hold you in these days of grief. Sending you a hug, and prayers for you and your family.
dear Pattie, please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your Mom. your folks sound amazing and how wonderful that you had your Mom with you for so long. hold onto the memories and know that she is as close to you as your next breath...always!
best, suzanne
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I hope your memories of your mom will comfort you and your family.
Your mother sounds like she's a blessing to everyone who she was around and continues on that blessing thru you and your family in your loving caring words you shared here. My heart and my prayers of comfort continue on your behalf to God the Father for you and your family. What a beautiful tribute to your mother.
Thanks Lynn, Judy, Claire and Victoria. Your thoughts are comforting and special.
Suz - yes, my mom seems to be all around, everywhere we look - and it will serve us well in the days and years forward. Thanks.
I so loved reading your beautiful tribute, your mention of the male cardinal brought tears to my eyes, but with a smile. As time passes, you will be sure to find your Mother often in some of the simplest of things, a journey awaits for you. I love to learn of such devotion between 2 people, how blessed you are to have had such wonderful parents. Take care.
Thanks Angela - it's true - there are memories of her everywhere I turn, today I walked into her closet after the door had been closed awhile, that scent of her favorite fragrance was in there that is truly her - I could have taken it all in and put it in a bottle and kept it forever.
I'm so sorry, Pattie. She sounds like a wonderful woman and you were so lucky to have her as a mom. To just know her sounds like an honor, but you and your family had the best. I wish you all the best.
Thanks Ellen. I was lucky to have her as a mom. A great woman who always encouraged me to be whatever I wanted to be.
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