I was driving down Cherry Avenue at about 10:30 a.m. and I called my stepdad, Bill to check in. I was flying down to So. Cal. to visit my mom and take her to a movie that afternoon. We were going to see, "Because I Said So", a chick flick. She liked going to the movies - Bill didn't. And then he told me she had passed away just two hours before. With a hospice bed for only 24 hours, she passed away quietly. (mom had a near model looking home and she thought it wouldn't "go" with anything). She didn't want me to see her die. Of this I'm sure.
Two years ago today I lost my mom to leiomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer. Since then, I've been dealing with the life altering changes that come with losing a parent. So much of who we are is how we were raised and who we were raised by. Cancer sucks, plain and simple, in any form. I choose to see all of the good that came out of her 7 year battle. The healing that it had on so many relationships - and the peace she ultimately found in herself. The love I was given for so many years.
I still miss, daily, all of the quirky things she said and did that made us laugh. The way she said, "goff", for "golf" almost forgetting there was an "L" in there. Her resourcefulness and ultimate shopper ways. Her beauty (which I never told her enough). I miss her carrot cake with loads of cream cheese frosting. I miss her stubborn, independent spirit. I know that bits and pieces of Sharon are alive in me and my kids. I thank God she is in heaven with him, living a pain-free, very social existence with Him. (at least that's what I envision :0)
I had no idea, truly, what life may have been like for her until I had three kiddos of my own. No idea the sacrifices she made to make our life good.
I recently watched the Farrrah Fawcett documentary. Although it brought back painful reminders of her ordeal, it also reminded me of her strength and courage.
If you still have your mom, call her today and tell her you love her. I love you, mom.
That picture of Grandma is awesome! I have never seen her with long hair.
Hugs
Posted by: Amber | May 25, 2009 at 09:57 PM
I have to say this was the first blog I have ever read. Thanks to Sue R. recommendation. It was fun and the receipts made me drool.
-Kerrie
Posted by: Kerrie Bindi | October 06, 2009 at 08:25 PM
I was looking for white kitchen designs and came across your blog "A tribute to Mom". Made me cry... yes I will call my Mum today. Thank you. xx
Posted by: Tania | April 05, 2010 at 04:54 PM