Every year, no matter how infrequently I post on the blog, I try to wrap things up with a wish for all you dear hearts who have stuck with me throughout my random writings. This year is no different.
This year is completely different.
For the readers who know me only through the blog, I am very sorry to share the news that my mother passed away on Sunday, Nov. 25. Ordinarily, I would use "died" rather than "passed away," but Mom truly just slipped away. Her passing can only be described as a good death: She was 97 years old; she had seen all three of her children in the week before she went; she wasn't ill or in pain; she was at home and surrounded by love; she was up and ready for the day; she closed her eyes and peacefully passed.
The last words she said to me and my siblings were, "I love you."
I'll write more about Mom in the days ahead -- I want to write at least one post about the incredible value of showing up and another about the real five stages of grief. (The Kubler-Ross model doesn't do it for me.) I want to write about the lives Mom touched -- you wouldn't believe the outpouring of love and the remembrances.
But, for right now, I want to give you this:
In 2019, may you live like Lillian. May you have faith. May you wake every day eager to see what happens next. May you be willing to be delighted. May you look for the best in everyone and everything. May you face challenges with courage and strength. May you write poetry. May you play bingo or mah jongg or a board game with people you love. May you celebrate every win. May you forgive and forget. May you always be a flirt. May you create a family of friends. May you live a life that helps and cheers and inspires others. May you live like Lillian.
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| Mom's most famous poem. One of Eva's friends had this made for her. It's lovely. People are lovely. |
4 comments:
Beautiful, Janet.
Thank you for this, MY dear one. Your mother was a special woman, and she left her loving soul in you. I have never been privileged to experience a death as the one you described. A good death is one we try for, it is a gift. My sister would say "It's her gift for being such a wonderful human being here on earth." Another comforting offering from one describing her father's passing 'I was relieved at the ease with which he dropped his body." Something to consider. Love you friend.
My deepest sympathies. Your mother must have been an amazing woman as you are an amazing woman and your mother's legacy. I hope the happy memories you have of your mother ease the hole she has left behind especially on the days you miss her most.
Thank you all! xoxo
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