A Tribute to My Mom

/ Quirky Girl

I never wanted to have to write this post.

And I’m struggling to do so now.

It was the first cloudless, bright sunny day after nearly a week of rain.

It was also the day my mom took her last breath.

Paradoxical as it may sound, it was still a beautiful day.

In a strange way.

Because it meant my mom was no longer in pain.

No longer spending every waking moment in agony.

No more excruciating daily struggles.

No more endless doctor appointments.

No more countless scans and blood work.

No more urgent trips to the hospital.

No more useless pills to try to mask the pain.

She is finally at peace.

Finally free of cancer.

Once and for all.

My heart aches with sadness.

But her suffering is over, and that’s what truly matters.

She is a survivor of war.

A recipient of miracles.

And the strongest, most determined, bravest person I had ever had the honor of knowing.

On December 10, 2018, heaven gained a new angel.

This is not the ending to the story that we’d hoped for.

But, in my heart, I know it isn’t truly “the end”.

Because love lives forever.

Hope lives on.

And nothing can ever take that away.

We Get Only Today
By Souad “Sue” Battista
(a.k.a. Tink the Belle)
From Playing by My Own Rules

I

won’t run away from  a challenge

I

Will move towards it

I

Will not let fear blind me

I

Will Face it

I

Will not hide from the truth

I

Will Learn from it

I

Search in the darkness

I

Seek the light

I

Won’t see an end

I

Find a new beginning

I

Will not turn away from myself

But

Back to myself

Fly high, Mom. I will always love you, and I will miss you forever.

Fly high, Mom. I will always love you, and I will miss you forever.

~I’ve got a lot of catching up to do, with blogging and life as a whole. My posts will likely be sporadic for a while until everything settles, but I’d like to take a moment to thank you all for your kindness and support, and to wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, in case I’m not up to speed before then.~

74 thoughts on “A Tribute to My Mom”

    • Thank you for your kind words. The loss of a mother is unique and complex, for we mourn the passing of the very person who gave us life. Healing is a gradual process, but the good memories go a long way in making things a bit more bearable. 💜

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      • Several years after she passed something would happen and I think “I need to call Mother” … then I would remember that she was gone. It’s very ingrained in our subconscious. Its nice to have good memories if a caring person.

        Like

  7. This is an incredibly belated comment but I’ve only just seen your post now. I’m so behind with my wordpress reading. I’m so so sorry for your loss. Your words here are poignant and beautiful and I can sense your pain. I’ve lived this pain too when my mum died, I know how it tears you up inside but as you said she’s now at peace. Treasure your beautiful memories and hold her in your heart. I’m sending you my love and prayers. xx

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  9. I could have sworn I commented on this post but I don’t see it anywhere!!! We both have gone through a similar phase in our lives through the loss of a parent. You were one of the first who reached out to me when I shared the news of my father with you. I’ll always remember you for that. Your words were a great source of comfort for me. May God give you tremendous strength to bear the loss. I’m always here for you if you ever need to talk! xx

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • It warms my heart to know my words gave you comfort when you needed it. I remember reading your post on Christmas morning, and your sentiments echoed mine exactly, for I was also experiencing an overwhelming and profound sense of loss that day myself. Losing a loved one is never easy, and it seems doubly challenging when it’s so close to a holiday. Glad we have each other for support and to lean on. 😊❤

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  10. So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. You provided a wonderful tribute to her and, yes, she lives on – and she lives through you as well. May God continue to provide His special comfort, peace and strength to you in the days ahead.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  15. Touring some of my fav sites on WordPress to start the New Year (after being “away” for awhile), and so terribly sorry to hear of your loss. Your posts have never failed to make me smile and feel better. I hope that in the not-to-distant future, smiles and good feelings will return to you and yours.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  18. I’m so sorry for your loss Angela. This is such a beautiful tribute to your mother. I’m sure the holiday season is a little harder this year, but I hope that there are many moments of brightness during it.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  19. Oh no! I’m sorry to hear this my dear! Please know my heart is with you in this difficult time. I do hope your holiday was okay because I know times like these can be extra challenging when it’s the first without your loved one.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  25. She was a special woman with a good and kind heart. Her memory will eternally live on. In time, her face will once again bring a smile to family member’s faces replacing the natural sense of grieving.

    Be strong and live life to the fullest. I know Sue would absolutely want it this way.

    Please accept my condolences for the passing of your mom.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  29. ouch sorry to hear this … I’ve missed both your posts and now I know why … she is such a delightful free spirit and now she has moved onto her next big adventure 😦
    She will be sorely missed by many but most of all you .. you are in my prayers and thoughts. Take care precious one 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  32. I’m so sorry to hear this! Deepest sympathies to you and your family.
    This is a beautiful tribute to her. I always saw her as a beautiful and positive person that inspired us.
    I know what the long battle can be like due to my wife fighting cancer. Please take care of yourself. May God bring comfort to you.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  33. I am so sorry for your loss. I really enjoyed reading your mom’s blog (and yours!) and she often commented on mine, as do you. I lost my mom to cancer many years ago, and i agree that when it gets so bad, it’s better to be free of all the pain. I am lucky I have come through my treatment, but I never take anything for granted. My heart goes out to you at this sad time. Best wishes, Mark

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  35. Reblogged this on Playing by My Own Rules and commented:

    Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has followed my mom Tink’s journey and provided her with hope, inspiration, and encouragement along the way.

    On December 10th, heaven gained a beautiful new angel.

    I am forever grateful to the overwhelming support and kindness we’ve experienced in the amazing blogosphere.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  42. Such a beautiful tribute to your mom. I am so sorry for your loss, I can’t imagine your pain. I want you to know I think you are awesome and I can tell you had a wonderful mom and that she had a wonderful daughter and grandchildren. Lots of love to you.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  46. I felt deeply your words. RIP your Mum. Out of the pain and that is a blessing. I just know Jett is giving you more cuddles than usual and you will need them in the days to come. X

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  52. So sorry, Quirky. Losing a parent is brutal, even if you know they are now pain-free and in a better place. Take your time, allow yourself to grieve in your own way; eventually you will regain your balance and happy memories will move into the sad spaces inside. Dogs are great therapists, so Jett will be a big help. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

Leave a reply to BB&Y Cancel reply