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.
I am so very sorry ! Losing your Mom is one of the worst things ever. Keep your memories close. ❤️
I had been looking forward to the next update….. but that was more beautiful and awe inspiring than a mere building. This was the building of life and family. The wood of legacy, the giving and passing of a life well lived carried on in you. Thank you. Thank you for such incredible raw heart beautiful words.
So so glad you got to spend such amazing days with your mom as well your other family. We should all learn not to let life get in the way of important relationships. What a smile your mom had!!!
Hi Sandra,
I’m sincerely sorry for your loss. I lost my father last June unexpectedly. My siblings and I all came together in Northern Ca to paint his house as it desperately needed it. As we spent the weekend painting the house and each other, he sat in his chair and slept. He would awaken to survey what we had accomplished, smile really big and thank us all. I, too come from a large family. 8 kids and 6 of us were there to paint along with our spouses and his grandchildren. We actually had people stopping asking for our business card and wanting us to come paint their house! We painted his house in May of 2020 (despite the severe lock downs in California) and I’m so very thankful that we did as none of could have known that we would loose him a little more than a month later. You have your beautiful memories of your time with your mom as I have mine of my dad standing on his front porch of his newly painted house smiling from ear to ear. Looking back, I think he knew he was not well. That he got to see his children prior to leaving this world and that we got to see him was truly an unknown blessing. Cherish your memories as I believe grieving her lost presence honors her precious memory and all that she meant to so many.
You and your siblings are awesome for making the effort to spend as much time as possible with your mom.
Good job to you all and enjoy the happy memories, they will help you get through the hurt!