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.
Very sorry for your loss. I’m so glad you got to spend some family time together and that she was able to move on with peace and ease. Take care of yourself and laugh as much as you can. <3
Oh I am so sorry for your loss. How wonderful you got warning and you made the most of it. Such wonderful memories for when the grief lessens.
I am so sorry for the loss of your dear mother.
It’s strange, I just started following you recently and this was the first email I received for your newest blog post. When I saw that your mom had passed of a glioblastoma memories came flooding back for me. I lost my mother 22 1/2 years ago to a glioblastoma multiform (the worst of the worst). My mom lost her vision as her tumor progressed. It became difficult for her to see friends but she was energized by her family. Those moments of love and laughter and even those serious discussions brought her peace as it did for us too. I’m glad you had to opportunity to spend those last days with your mother. I was fortunate to have done the same. The legacy of love your mother and my mother left behind is shown in the love and caring that each of their family members shares with others. Although I was 35 when my mother passed I wasn’t prepared for it. The pain immediately following was raw and difficult. Two years after she passed I had my daughter, I regret not being able to share that experience with her, I mourned her all over again. I see similarities in my daughter that my mom had (that I don’t have) – looks, habits, mannerisms. It brings me so much joy. – – I hope that you and your family are comforted knowing that the love and joy you shared with her was a huge comfort for her. I pray that her legacy of love continues with you and your family and you find comfort in the joyful memories you shared. Praying for you and your family to be comforted with peace, love and wonderful memories you made with your precious mother.
Oh Sandra, my heart aches for you and your siblings and your father. This post is a lovely tribute to your mom, who clearly was a wonderful person. Your mother will forever live in your heart and the hearts of those who were privileged to love her. May the memories of love soon outweigh the grief of loss.
i’m so sorry for your loss. i also lost my mom last july to covid. never had the chance to say goodbye. i’m glad you had the chance to make more wonderful memories to have and to pass on to your daughter. cherish them and she’ll never be gone from your side.