At 5:24am 20 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 newest 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 ….
Such a true post. I miss my mom so much and it is still so painful everyday. I am getting on and getting through, but I do have moments of tears daily.
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When they tell you it gets easier, they are wrong. I will keep you in my prayers, Erin. Know that your feelings are justified and you are not alone.
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Thank you. I hate that we all join this club eventually. I appreciate your kind words and prayers.
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I’m sorry, man. Even though you know it was a relief for your mom, I know it’s hard. I lost my mom a little more than two years ago. Her health was in decline with onset dementia, diabetes, the aftermath from shingles, etc. As such, as tough as it was for me and my family, she “checked out” at the right time.
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Thanks Christian. There is something to be said about timing – it’s never right for those left behind.
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Well written from the heart. At least she knew she was loved, that’s something. I’m glad you seem to get to have quality times with your dad lately at least.
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Absolutely!
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My father passed in 1995, and my mother in 98. There were things I didn’t get to say, or apologize for, but will when I see them. I’ve told my surviving son that we need to make amends (he has TDS) and like many young folks, tends to alienate himself from me and his Christian friends. He’s in rehab at this time, so perhaps that will spur him on to make things right. I often miss my parents. The one more time thing is very real to almost every one of us. Do your children a favor, as I have mine and my grandchildren, write your family history and give a copy to each of them. It will be appreciated on down the road.
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Thanks, Phil. I will work on that for sure. Will pray for your boy, too.
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Thank you, Keith. I’m encouraging my wife to do the same for her grandchildren. My mother or father never wrote anything down, only word of mouth, but that’s the way it was done in their time. The family Bible held all the birth and deaths info and the rest was chatter.
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You are certainly in a large group of people, Keith. It is so true that we want to tell them things all the time. My mom had ovarian cancer, so I know those mixed feelings about losing them. I still talk to my mom though and even though she isn’t her in person, she is in me. Hugs to you and yours.
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Thank you, Carla.
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