Mom
Hi friends. It’s been a couple months since I shared an update post. That isn’t uncommon when construction is in a phase where lots of work happens but nothing really shows for it. We however, had just gotten to the part where we were getting ready for drywall and I thought I’d be showing you an “almost ready to move in” post by now. Life happens though, and boy did life really throw us a curve ball.
On March 2, we found out that our mom had a very advanced, aggressive tumor in her brain. (glioblastoma) Julie and I immediately purchased flights to go to Idaho the next day. We closed up the building and told all our helpers that we’d be gone indefinitely. We wanted to spend as much time with mom and our family as we could before the tumor took her from us. We expected/hoped for a couple weeks.
Every day was filled with whatever would bring her joy: music, family, games, family… She had lots of visitors because EVERYONE loved my mom. People came from far and wide to visit with Mom and Dad, tell stories and get one last hug. We celebrated all the holidays for the year and threw in some extra “talent shows” and even a pajama party. She loved her family SO much. Her whole countenance would light up when someone else came through the door.
Mom kept saying, “today was another best day ever”!
Over the weeks, she took more naps and we had smaller, scheduled visits rather than big parties! One night we had a little dance party. Mom and dad mostly watched us try to learn how to do some Swing moves and trip over ourselves attempting to “line dance”. Mom asked us to find “The Last Dance” and we went through several versions of the wrong song before we found what she was looking for. She and Dad had their last dance that night.
This December would be their 60 anniversary.
We got five wonderful weeks with mom. She passed away peacefully on April 6.
I wanted to write more about what a wonderful woman she was; so accomplished, talented, unselfish, loving and HAPPY. I wanted to write about all the ways she and Dad helped shape the person I am today. But it’s too hard.
I’m really grateful that I had the ability to drop everything and go spend that time with my mom and family. Those are cherished memories.
Now I’m back in Tennessee and getting the B&B reno back on track. I’m doing pretty well. I have sad moments/days but I try not to let myself get stuck there. Sometimes I have to force myself to laugh out loud for ten full seconds. It’s something Mom taught us. (It is best to warn those around you before you begin. They tend to look your way- very concerned!) 🙂
Onward and upward.
Thanks so much. It’s only bee a couple months and I find myself laughing and then crying within minutes of thinking of a memory. I’m sure it will get easier with time. Thank you for your kind words.
Hi there,
I just found your blog while searching for map drawers…haven’t explored much yet but came across this one about your Mom. My heart goes out to you and your family…my Dad died after a fall and spent a horrendous 10 days in the hospital not really knowing who we were. He and my mother were also married 60 years in the August before he passed. He was lucky to see 2 great grandchildren but missed the next two. He missed COVID! There isn’t a day that my mother and I don’t miss him but it does get easier to live with the gap,loss, hole that they leave behind. We now laugh at the funny memories and still talk to him daily. God bless.
Sandra,
What a gift, albeit in tragic circumstances, those last weeks sound like. I hope the time comes soon when you can smile instead of cry when you think of your mom. My thoughts and prayers continue for you, your dad, and while family.
I lost my father to a glioblastoma in 2009. It was three years of hell — I almost passed in 2007, my mom in 2008 and my dad in 2009. I am so glad that I was able to drop everything and care for my dad after his diagnosis. It was the hardest thing I have EVER done, but also, the most REWARDING!!
{{{{{hugs}}}}} My sincerest condolences to you and your family.