The thing I take away with me the most, is that Mom kept her sense of humor right up to the end. I know she did this to make it easier on us, and it did. There's nothing like laughter to put aside pain, and she didn't want us to hurt.
The last two days were the hardest for me, when she was in a coma, but hopefully, they were the easiest for her. We were blessed to be by her side when she died, and we are thankful she was able to be in her beloved home.
There are so many of you to thank and I pray I don't leave anyone out.
The Angels of Hospice. To Karen, the kind voice who calms us when she answers the phone; Leah, who always got Mom to smile and brought fun into our lives; Sherry and Karen who gave Mom her most appreciated personal care. A very special thank you to our amazing and loving nurses, Lisa, Jayme, Cindy and Andrea. These wonderful ladies have been given a gift, and eagerly share this gift with those in need. They are a pillar of strength and comfort. Words cannot express our gratitude for your tenderness, compassion and selflessness. May God bless you always.
To Joyce Wrasman of Immaculate Conception Church for her daily visits with the Eucharist. You were a bright spot in Mom's day, spreading your faith and hope to Mom and our family.
Janet, are we every so blessed to have you as our friend and sister! We absolutely could not have gotten through this without your help, support and love.
To Emma for the many years you kept Mom's hair looking beautiful. Mom trusted no one else and enjoyed the times spent with you.
To our many wonderful friends and family members who took time out of their own busy lives to come and visit with Mom, or brought oodles and oodles of delicious food that provided the strength we needed to endure each day.
To all of you who followed Mom's journey on line, those that called, texted, or emailed...you have no idea how much your comments, concern and love helped us get through this difficult time.
To Mike, David and Max...what can I say. You gave up 'Mom' so unselfishly these past three months so that I could be with Grandma. You worked so hard to keep our home fires burning, and I bet you have even had enough DQ to last the rest of the year! Thanks for all the time you spent with Grandma, she treasured every moment. I couldn't have a more loving and generous family and I love you all so much!
To Tom, Terry and the staff at Schindewolf, Stevens & Stout Funeral Home for their professionalism, warmth and kindness.
And finally, to Father Dinovo. You truly are a messenger of God. Your visits meant the world to Mom and we all felt your love and concern when you came. Thank you for a most spiritual and beautiful service for Mom.
Karen,
ReplyDeleteThank you for all your kind words. But mostly thank you for sharing with others your love and adoration for your mother. She was very special to all of us but by using this forum and opening up your lives and exposing those very tender moments for all to see is very brave.
For that we say thank you. I believe we overcome the hardest things in our lives by going through them with others and by sharing you have helped others. The scriptures tell us that "We overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony." You have trusted in both! I will never forget your Mother and her quick wit, her projectile gum, and her peculiar love for the smell of skunk!! That's only a few of the things I remember and I'm sure you have a treasure chest full of those sweet sweet memories that are unique and full of life!! You see even in death there is life! God will always have the last say in everything, for He is the author of life!! Thank you once again for sharing with us the ending of Marilyns life story!
I will remember it forever.
God bless all of you.
Lisa