"The death of a mother is the first sorrow wept without her."
Author Unknown
Photo by Donna Boucher Photography
This has been a tough week. Actually, the last few months have been difficult as my Mother's health declined. My sweet Mom died on February 5 and her funeral was on February 9. Thank you to all of you lovely readers and friends who sent me notes and kept our family in your prayers. That meant so much to me!
The day of Mom's funeral dawned bright and sunny though it was bitterly cold. She hated dreary and cloudy days in winter.
She really was quite an amazing woman. She grew up during the depression on a farm in Eastern Iowa with 6 sisters and 1 brother. After high school, she left the farm and worked in DC at the Pentagon. Can you imagine -- how brave was that? A young girl from the farm in Washington, D.C.!
I could ramble on and on about the amazing and incredible things she did and accomplished. I have no doubt that her proudest accomplishment was raising us six kids with my Dad a/k/a Al -- not always an easy task, though I'm sure you all know that I was a perfect child! :)
I know she was my biggest fan and have no doubt that my brothers and sisters feel the same way. She made each of us feel special and, like mothers do, worried about each of us. I talked to her on the phone almost every single day. When she went to hospice a month ago and was no longer able to chat with me, I went into withdrawal and felt so very lost. My stress levels and chocolate consumption went way up. Luckily, I have sisters to chat with. Even so, every day I think, wait til I tell Mom about this . . . and then realize I can't.
She loved flowers and peonies were her favorites. I can hardly wait until spring when I can put some beautiful fragrant peonies on her grave. I will miss her always.
"Death is nothing else but going home to God,
the bond of love will be unbroken for all eternity."
Mother Teresa
17 comments:
Janet...I love this post about your Mom....I am so sorry for your loss....she left a wonderful legacy behind...I know you will cherish your memories...xoxo
Janet...a lovely tribute to a beautiful woman. My condolences again for this huge loss. Our prayers will continue to be with you all.
What a sweet post for your mom. It sounds like she was an amazing gal.
We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers at this time.
Love the quotes too!
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you during this time. And how special that she loved peonies so much... a flower much beloved and symbolic to the Chinese.
Janet, my heart aches for you! I can feel your pride and love in this sweet tribute to your mom. I am so very, very sorry and will lift you up in my prayers in the days to come. If you need an ear, I am here! xoxo
Take it day by day. No take it minute by minute. That is my advice to you. I know your mom is missing you too and all the while, hoping and praying you will only know the good feelings in life.
Beautiful post my friend. A true tribute to your MOM.
Lea
xo
I'm so sorry Janet for your loss. It sounds like your mother was a wonderful caretaker, friend and most of all a wonderful mom. I'm sure she is smiling over you and your family knowing how much she was loved and also seeing what an awesome job she did raising each and every one of you.
Hugs...
Grace
What a beautiful tribute to your mom. I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you during this difficult time. We brought peony bushes from my grandmother's house to our own house when she died and we sold her home. I'll be thinking of you when I see our blooms in May. Hugs.
Such a sweet post and tribute to your Mom. Your words capture the love you have for her. She sounds like a wonderful Mom who obviously raised lovely children.- which is the greatest tribute of all! Know that I am thinking about you and hoping you find comfort during your time of loss! Take Care.
Xoxo
Bridget
Janet, You've been in my thoughts and prayers so much. I know your mother is incredibly proud of you.
She sounds like a strong, beautiful woman.
My prayers for you during this time are that you can remember all the good times with your Mom!
xoxoxo Gail
What a sweet post. So sorry to hear about your mom. Sounds like she was a wonderful person....treasure the memories. Hugs to you.....
What a beautiful post for such a beautiful lady! You and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers for the past few weeks, but espeicially this week.
I hope with each day that passes it will get a little easier for you.
Sending big virtual hugs~
xoxo,
Lisa
What a beautiful post. I have been thinking about you this week, as I know it has been a rough one. I will continue to keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. I am sure she is smiling down on you.
Janet- I am so very sorry to hear about your loss. Your mom sounds like an amazing woman. I'll be keeping you all in my prayers.
SO sorry for your loss, Janet. You will be in my prayers.
I'm very sorry for your loss. Your mom sounds wonderful.
Take care,
Sue
So sorry for your loss, she sounds like a wonderful Mother. You do her great honor and know the flowers on her grave continue that love. Sympathy to you.
Alyzabeth's Mommy
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