How can it be 19 Years

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At 5:24am 19 years ago, with her hand in mine, my mother took her last breath here on earth. She was finally freed from the pain she suffered for a decade from Breast Cancer and all the treatments and medications she had because of the disease. For those of us who were left behind, there was pain in her leaving, but joy that the suffering was over. Since her passing, there have been many changes in my life. How I wish I could call her and just talk. I can’t tell you the number of times I have wanted her advice. There are so many things I wish I could apologize for, so many things I want to say, and so many things I long to hear. I am blessed to have some wonderful friends who have stood by me through some powerful storms lately, storms that would have made a bit easier with a call to mom.

I have said this before, but it is worth saying again – to those who still have their parents I say this – no matter what, make peace with them. Do not take them for granted. Enjoy each and every moment you have with them, even if it hearing the same story for the umpteenth time. Enjoy a cup of coffee with them. Take your kids to see them. Do not let another day go by without saying those things that you want to say. Make sure they know how thankful you are. Make sure they know you love them. Life is too short and when they are gone, you will long for those little things that seemed so trivial or unimportant.

It’s been a bit harder for me over the past few years. So many great things have happened. So many life events she wasn’t around to experience. She would be so proud of her oldest grandsons and would be spoiling her granddaughter and new grandson. She would be sharing embarrassing stories about me to my wife and so much more.

I miss my mom each and every day. My love for her is never ending, like hers was for me. The void remains – her laughter, her voice, and her smile are now but a memory that lives on in photos and old lost video tapes.

I miss her daily ….

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Published by nostalgicitalian

I'm just a guy who likes the classics. I love Old Time Radio Shows. I love Classic TV. I love Classic Movies. I love songs from the "Great American Songbook". I dig songs from the first decade of Rock and Roll. Don't get me wrong, I am not opposed to newer things. My musical taste ranges from Classical to Classic Rock and Country to Rap. I love a good book and am always looking for something to read. I tend to lean toward historical fiction, biographies, mysteries, and more. I have always believed that our past (and the things we've experienced in it) make us who we are today. That being said, after reading through some old My Space blogs (yeah, that's about how long it's been since I blogged regularly), I decided that I should once again write. Welcome to my blog. I hope you find it interesting, thought provoking, and entertaining in some way. CONTACT ME AT - nostalgicitalian@yahoo.com

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21 thoughts on “How can it be 19 Years”

  4. Keith, this is both beautiful and heartbreaking. I’m also not ashamed to share it me well up. Having lost my mom last July, I think I can well relate.

    My dad who is 89 is still alive and in pretty good shape for a man his age. But you can’t take things for granted. I’m flying to Germany to visit him during Christmas week!

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    1. Thank you, Dana. What a blessing to have photos and memories.

      I didn’t realize your mom had passed such a short time ago. I’m sorry, and I know the pain and feelings that accompany it.

      Reach out if you ever need an ear.

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      2. I completely understand. I’m sure the suddenness of it plays a big factor. I’m not sure if knowing it was coming made it any easier. Either way, as you said, knowing where she is and the future reunion with her is something I look forward to.

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  6. wonderful tribute and reminder. I had three parents (my step mom was as much like a mother to me as my real one) and lost them all within about two years. Certainly it leaves a hole in me

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    1. Thanks, Phil. I was so glad that I chose to stay awake with her. I didn’t want her to leave alone. Everyone else had been up all day and they wanted to grab an hour or two of sleep. I stayed by her side. It was the first time I ever saw someone pass. I will never forget it.

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  8. Beautiful tribute to your mum, Keith! And what a lovely photograph of her! Not being able to share all the wonderful things in your life with her – I understand your pain. I still tell my parents about all the events in my family’s life. They are no longer here with me, but I find comfort in ‘keeping them in the loop’. News travels.

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