My Mother Has Passed
3/10/10
I sit here now next to my mother. It is quiet as can be. The only thing I hear is the ticking of the clock and the lull of the cars from the busy street behind her house. Every now and then I hear her breath. Her hair is almost completely gone now. I can see her scalp and a handful of tiny sparkles that remain from her surprise birthday party yesterday. In my heart I know it will be her last. Her skin is very pale. She is calm and peaceful for now. I already feel the loss of the mother she once was….
I don’t know where to start. I’m not sure what stories I will ever be able to tell. From the time it all began, the feeling of shock and disbelief, learning of her cancer. Trips in and out of the hospital. Her bravery, her courage. Arriving at the cancer hospital early in the morning. Watching the rush of every kind of person. Young, old, and all ages in between. Every race and every personality, cancer leaves no one behind. Leaving the hospital late at night, when there wasn’t a soul to be found. All gone home. Done with their fight for the day. The once bubbling fountain turned off for the night. A peaceful eerie quiet, knowing tomorrow the people will be back fighting for another day. How quickly this all happened. A few weeks ago my mother was walking, she could run if she tried . Now we push her in a wheelchair. We bathe her. We feed her, the one or two bites she can stomach. It’s so hard to believe. I’ve hung on every word she’s said. I’ve laughed with her until I cried. I’ve made promises. I’ve asked for forgiveness. I’ve said everything I could, but know it will never be enough. Everyday I think this has got to be the hardest day. Honestly I know the day that will be…
3/21/10
Unfortunately six days after I wrote, my mother passed. Tuesday the 16th of March, two hours before her 66 birthday she was gone. I had the honor of being with her during her final moments. I am so stricken with grief, it’s indescribable. I want to talk about her constantly. I can’t get her off my mind for a second. To the point I feel I might go insane. I dream of her all night long. I picture her face. I hear her voice. She meant so many things to me. She was my mother, my supporter, my confidant, my best friend. Finding my life with out her in it seems impossible.
Anyone who ever knew my mother loved her. She was a person unlike any other. She had a heart of gold, and she wore it right on her sleeve. She had a warmth and a way to bring you right in. She was like something warm when the night was cold. She never had a bad mood in her life. Never raised her voice. Loved everyone. She was someone who cared for the hurting. She never hesitated help the homeless. She always found a way to invite you in, make you feel special. Her spirit was in one accord with Christ. She did not judge. She did not point out weakness. Instead she prayed. She had a true spirit of understanding. Understanding that people are only human. We all fail. We all make mistakes. She loved you even more then. Always gave a shoulder to cry on, and an ear that would listen. She had a zest for life. She found wonder in Gods creation. She marveled in the beauty of flowers. She was amazed with Gods intricate designs and endless creations. She would say, wow Jen, look at that, isn’t it awesome what God has done!
Yes, It is amazing what God had done, she was really something!
Tomorrow I will say goodbye to the one who brought me into this world. Gave me life. Gave me a name. Taught me what it meant to be a mother. This will be the hardest day of my life. My mom asked me to keep many promises. One of them was to continue reaching out, and I will. I am asking for prayer in the weeks ahead for my family…
In His Glory Shine Mama!
I will find you in everything beautiful. I’ll miss you everyday. I will love you forever…
Your baby,
Jenny






March 22nd, 2010 at 5:05 am
Jen, that is the most stunning picture of your mama! She will continue to be with you every day as you venture out on this new journey. You will make her proud, just by being you. Her memory will live on as you share stories about her with your kids, continue on with family traditions that she instilled in you, and just being the best person you can be. She sounds like a pretty amazing lady. I know you will miss her. You will see her again my friend.
March 22nd, 2010 at 7:25 am
I am so sorry for your loss and pain. I lost my father and grandmother this past summer and our loss is definitely heavens gain.
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:09 pm
Jen,
I have thought about you every second of every day. Your mother was a great person-so very obvious from the words that you say. She lived each day of her life to the fullest and was the kind of person that others loved to be around- a true gem. I know that the road you are facing is long and hard, but know that your mom will be with you every step of the way. She will continue to be a source of strength and encouragement for you as you continue your journey in life and continue to evolve as a mom and as a person. I am positive she left this world so proud of you and of who you are not only as her daughter but as a person. Your friend Jacqui is right- her memory will always live on as you continue to share stories about her with your children and continue to strive to make her proud each day that you are here. Please know that you are loved! I am so sorry you are walking down this road, but I do know that along the way you will learn, grow, appreciate and cherish life just a bit more than you have before. You are loved my friend.
March 28th, 2010 at 6:27 pm
Dear Jenny,
I really feel deficient to share any words that would help. I feel very sad that your mother has passed. I also feel that you have learned a lot. I am so sorry that you and your family are experiencing this. She is an amazing person, that is clear. She shines! Part of her will always be in you and also with Luke.
l,jenny
March 29th, 2010 at 2:16 am
Dearest Jen -
Each day when I pray for you and the family, her face shines before me. Her laughing voice helps me select the right words to use in my prayer. She would say ” There are no right words, Lovey. God knows what you will say even before you say it”. Then I reply, “Thank you Helen”. And I smile. I realize that for a long time my smiles have been in very short supply. Now each time I think of her, a warmth surrounds me with a feeling of well being. And once again I smile.
May God Bless you and the family.
Love Always, Aunt Paula and Uncle Bob