How does one talk about something that is so fresh in their mind? The sadness, the hurt, the grief......My mom was one of the most understanding people in the world. She was loved by everyone and it showed at her funeral. She was the type who would give you the clothes off her back if she thought it would help you. She loved family get togethers and if someone would bring a guest that wasn't family, they were before they left her house.
I remember as a child how she worked to raise 4 kids. I didn't realize at the time (as most kids don't) just what she was sacrificing for her children. She worked hard in a hot factory to make a living for us.
When I was 10, she and my dad decided they could no longer live together. It was hard, and dad did help but the main burden fell on mom. She is the one who had to listen to us kids fight and squabble.....she is the one who had to take care of the runny noses and she is the one who had to go through two surgeries with me.
Being the only girl I guess I was kinda spoiled. But...I was a tomboy too and would protect my brothers to the end. We had a good, loving childhood despite being on the poor side. We were rich in family love and that's what mattered most. I wouldn't change my childhood for anything.
After I was married, mom remarried. The marriage lasted about 5 years or so and my stepdad passed away. She then met my present stepdad, who I call "Pops". He is the best thing that ever happened to her. He loved her very much and they got along so great. They were married for 15 1/2 wonderful years.
Then the dreaded "cancer" took over her body. She fought it for over a year. I think she just got tired and gave in to it. She was ready to go "HOME".
I know there are people out there who won't believe this, but on the day she passed away, and at the time she passed, I suddenly had a vision. I was working and wondering how she was doing and all of a sudden I had a vision of my dad smiling and reaching out his hand. At the time I didn't give it much thought. I just thought it strange that I should think of him at this time. But within 1/2 hour I got the call that she was gone. I feel deep in my heart that my dad was there to help her on her way and that God was letting me know she was in good hands.
It was still hard for me as I prepared to fly to PA for her funeral. While there I met 2 stepbrothers I had never met and now I have two more brothers who have accepted me as "Sis". Mom had always said she wanted me to meet them cuz they were great guys. She finally got her wish after 15 1/2 years. With my brothers and my stepbrothers and stepsisters I got through the ordeal and sadness with a lot of love and compassion. This was greatly appreciated because my husband couldn't go with me due to illness of his own. He too has battled cancer and has had two surgeries.
I miss mom very much and it's hard to know I can't just pick up the phone and call her. But I have the loving support of my husband and all the wonderful people I have met on the internet. These people whom I have never seen (except one) have been with me through this whole thing and mom thought it was so great that I could talk to people all over the world. She had even thought about getting a computer and going online. She had thought she was too old but I told her "you are never too old to learn". I was 52 when I was introduced to the internet, and I think I kinda caught on a little.
The one person I have met from the internet is Mike. He has been there for me through this all and also through my husband's surgeries. The surgeries were in San Antonio and Mike just happened to live there. I met him and his wife and he was always there when I needed to talk and still is. I thank God for giving me such understanding friends. When I was in San Antonio and also when I was in PA, Mike would send messages to others who were concerned on how things were going since I had no access to a computer.
I know mom is in Heaven smiling down on me. I only hope she is happy with the way I live my life. I try to be honest and caring towards people. She taught me that in order to be respected by others, I had to respect them.
She taught me a lot......My mom did :'-) I will always keep her in my heart right along with my dad who I lost in 1984. My love for them will never grow dim and one day I hope to see them again...............
Mom loved birds and would imitate their calls and "talk" to them. She never failed to feed them and even now they are kept fed by others keeping her memory alive.
Now you have the story on the most wonderful woman in the world...The woman I copied my life from....My MOM....I miss her......