Sunday, July 16, 2006

This Isn't the Post I Had Planned......

I had planned to post all of the links and images everyone sent me for my previous post. I really appreciate the way each of you played along with me as I had a little fun with the 100th school day theme. I needed a little fun last week as it has been a difficult few days.

My beloved mother went to Heaven at 1:45 in the morning on Saturday, July 15, 2006. She had been very ill for many years, and had lived in a nursing home for four years. The past month has been difficult for her as she entered her last days. She no longer hurts, she no longer fights for her next breath, and she no longer has to suffer the indignities her illness had brought her.

My sister and I have been going through pictures getting ready for Mother’s memorial service. After witnesses her slow decline and the ravages her illness had taken on her body I was simply aghast when this image came in an email from my sister. My mother was absolutely gorgeous. We are hoping one of our relatives can tell us where and when it was made. I had never seen this picture before which is surprising because I always ransacked the house looking through picture boxes.

This is THE way I want to remember her----young and beautiful.

I am going to take a few days off from my blog to take care of my family and myself.

I’ll be back soon. :(

17 comments:

dan said...

You and your family are in our thoughts - please take care.

CaliforniaTeacherGuy said...

And while you're taking care of yourself, remember that there is One who takes care of you: "He restoreth my soul" (Psalm 23).

Anonymous said...

I am sorry for the loss of your mother. I suspect she was as beautiful inside as this picture reflects that she was outside.

Duez said...

Before I even read your comment about how beautiful the picture is... my thought to myself was, "Wow. She was a beautiful woman." You should cherish this time with your relatives and remember her life deeply. It is so emotional and so hard to do... but, it is important.

I am sorry for your loss, although I suspect there is great relief that her suffering is over.

Having lost my father this January, I can totally relate. Just keep her close to you, in memory and in pictures. It helps me.

Mike in Texas said...

I'm sorry for your loss. I went through a similar time with my mother, who died in April of last year from cancer. We gradually watched the cancer, which she had been fighting for 5 years, destroy her body over the last 6 months.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Butterfly Angel said...

Sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
God bless you

"We will run and not grow weary, for our God will be our strength and we fly like the eagle, we will rise again." refrain of "We Will Rise Again" by David Haas

Ryan said...

You'll be in my thoughts. Best wishes to you in this tough time.

ms-teacher said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Take care.

Dan Edwards said...

I feel for your loss. Know she is now free of any kind of pain or suffering. Remember that you are part of her and the whole world can see in you, the kind of woman she was. Celebrate her life and achievements! And look forward to the new chapters that lie ahead of you in the book of your life.....

Anonymous said...

The picture shows a beautiful exterior, but your words describe a beautiful soul. She obviously passed her beauty on to you. Enjoy the time with your family and rejoice that you had someone like her in your life.

"Ms. Cornelius" said...

God grant peace to you and your family in this time of loss. You have been in my prayers for weeks, now, and there you will remain.

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear the news. At a sad time in my life a friend gave me the following words and today I pass the lyrics to you.

I hope in some way they help.

"I feel the touch of hands so kind and tender
They're leading me in the paths that I must trod
I'll have no fear for Jesus walks beside me
For I'm sheltered in the arms of God

So let the storms rage high, the dark clouds rise
They don't worry me
For I'm sheltered safe within the arms of God
He walks with me and naught of earth shall harm me
For I'm sheltered in the arms of God

Soon I shall hear the call from Heaven's portals
Come home my child it's the last mile you must trod
I'll fall asleep and wake in God's sweet heaven
For I'm sheltered in the arms of God

So let the storms rage high, the dark clouds rise
They don't worry me
For I'm sheltered safe within the arms of God
He walks with me and naught of earth shall harm me
For I'm sheltered in the arms of God"

Sumir Sharma said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your Mother. Hang in there.

Chance said...

Please accept my belated sympathy for your loss.

When you're standing at the crossroads
That you cannot comprehend
Just remember
That death is not the end
The tree of life is growing
Where the spirit never dies
And the bright light of salvation shines In dark and empty skies

This song by Bob Dylan brought me a glimmer of consolation when a friend close to me died.

Janet said...

I just heard the news from Ms. Cornelius. I am so sorry to read about your mom. How does the saying go? Life is what happens when you're making other plans?

I love the picture of her though.

NYC Educator said...

I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. I'm sorry also for being so late in responding.