Wednesday, September 03, 2008

I watched my mother last Wednesday night take short, labored, gasping breaths. She reminded me of a little dying bird, trying hard to hold on to life a little longer. She died in the early morning hours of Thursday. I think that somehow, even in her unconscious state, she was waiting for me to get there. I would like to think that anyway. We had the funeral on Sunday afternoon. It was a beautiful service and Mom would have approved. We had a photo display with lots of our favorite photos of her in the front of the chapel. A lady minister (who did not know my mother) interviewed my brother and I the day before and gave a very eloquent speech about Mom at the funeral. Recalling the 89 years of her life was a comfort to us because we know that she had a beautiful life. We know that she thought that her greatest accomplishment in life was her three children; she told us that from time to time. I am comforted that she is no longer suffering. I don't think she was in pain, but I mean the suffering that comes with old age and not being able to do things for yourself anymore. I have had some tear filled moments in the last week but overall I am not sad because I can still feel my mother with me. I know that her spirit will be with me in the next couple of months when I face down some serious medical issues. Her best advice to me was something I think about every day now. . ."Don't be scared, what one person can do, any person can do."
Rest in peace Mom.

6 comments:

Finding the Happy said...

What a wonderful legacy she left you. Thank you for sharing these very private moments with us.

Peace.

bob mullen said...

Condolences on your loss, whatever age a mother goes it is still a great loss.

Jellyhead said...

Tuff, I'm so sorry. I'm glad that the funeral was all you hoped for.

Your mother lives on through her smart, determined and caring daughter.

Motherkitty said...

My deepest condolences go to you and your family upon the loss of your dear mother. I don't believe in ghosts but over the years my mother has visited me in my dreams -- so I am convinced that life goes on in some form. This has been a comfort.

I don't know about the spirituality of death and dying, but know that as long as you hold your mother in your heart, she will live.

doubleknot said...

Sorry for the loss of your mother. I am glad you made it there to be with her. Sounds like a very nice funeral. It is good that you are accepting of her passing on. She must have had a full life.

Terri@SteelMagnolia said...

I'm sorry...

that is very sad....

that must have been very hard for you....

but I think she waited for you too..