The last five months have been dedicated to taking care of my Mother, Helen. John and I brought her home to live with us with the care of Hospice.
My Mom lived five whole months after she came to stay with us. I like to think that it is was a combination of her courage and the love and attention we gave her every day. She was so sick, yet every day no matter what, she got up and insisted on getting dressed and out of bed.
She had fortitude and gratitude and never ever complained or whined about anything. She did complain a few times about what I was serving for dinner. HA I am so glad she did. Often we ran to fast food joints or restaurants for something she was craving that moment. We didn't care. Time was short. She deserved to be pampered.
One neighbor said' That is not fair to your Mom she is sick and you are tired.' Neither my Mom nor myself saw it that way. She deserved to be surrounded by her family and she rejoiced in it. We were all making memories to hold in our heart forever.
Here are five of my siblings two brothers are missing.
This is Mom with some of her kids grands great grands nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews at our last family reunion in July. This was her very best day. She raved for weeks how wonderful it was to see everyone. She was the baby of nine children and my father was the baby of ten. Mom was the very last one of her generation.
Our hearts are filled with such sorrow but also with love and admiration for this beautiful woman.
We celebrated her life and put her to rest a few weeks ago. Such a difficult thing to do but we made it as loving and beautiful as possible.
John and I left a week later and are now resting and recuperating and grieving for a month in her(our shared with siblings) condo in Hawaii. She is at every turn and her condo is filled with constant reminders of her presence and her long life here every year for half the year. Walking down the street in the village she lived in brings so many memories of our times spent her in the past.
I miss you Momma with all of my heart. Mahalo
11 comments:
A lovely memoir of your beautiful mother. You were blessed to have her so close to you those last few months. How special she must have been to you. I'm sure you have many wonderful memories to reflect upon now. I recently lost my dad too. When I read how you would run to the fast food places for her it made me smile because we would also do the same thing for him. My deepest condolences to you and your family. Much love to you dear.
xx Beca
What a lovely time you had with your mom, and what blessed memories you will have of this time, no matter how difficult it was. i too was blessed to be able to care for my mom during the months before her death, and although it was a very hard time, it is time that I would never give back. Mothers are missed forever, and even after 17 years , I think o f my mother every day. So sorry for your loss, but know the time you had was so meaningful
So sorry for your loss, Catie. The pictures are wonderful. What a lovely lady she was.
So sorry for your loss. But what a blessing that the family spent so much time with her in those last months. I'm sure that's what kept her holding on as long as she did. I can remember when my great grandmother was on her death bed, literally. We were all gathered at her house, she was in a bed in the living room, and all of us great grandkids were all running in and out and all around. Funny, I remember that, but don't remember anything about the funeral. Sending blessings of peace and comfort.
Oh Catie An, I'm so sorry for your loss. I don't think anyone is ever prepared to lose their mother. I know I'm not. But thank goodness you were able to spend the last 5 months with her in your home. You no doubt made her feel loved and very special. I'm so glad you have those memories. Hugs and Prayers for you and your family in this difficult time.
Oh Catie, I know what a hole the loss of your mother must leave in your life and you have my deepest wishes for peace and healing. She was so very, very fortunate to spend her last months surrounded by loving care and with people who loved her. We all deserve that but it doesn't always happen.
Your tribute and the photos are beautiful. She was so very beautiful -- and always will be to you and your family.
Sending healing hugs across the miles to you and those who loved your mom.
My deepest sympathies.
I am so sorry. What a loving family
So sorry for your loss, Catie Ann. I know how you are feeling. This was a lovely post and tribute to your beautiful mother.
Sincerely,
Marrianna
Oh, my dear Catie, I am so sorry for your loss. Your mother was quite the beautiful lady, inside and out.
Please know that you and your precious family are in my prayers. Hugs to you!
How wonderful that her last few months were spent with loved ones doting on her.
Now dear, it is time to take care of you!
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