A sad, yet peaceful note...

Just to let all my writer friends know...

My sweet Mama died this week. She had been sliding down since the day after Christmas. We had a wonderful holiday together, and she was able to spend time with those she loved most.

I will miss her terribly. But, I am relieved that her struggle has passed. She died two days shy of her 92nd birthday. The viewing was on her birthday, so everyone came to see her on her special day. Knowing my mom, she would've loved that.

I'll be back on the forum, crazy as usual soon...
At her funeral, the pastor read a tribute I wrote. We played one of Mom's favorite songs, The Rose. I'd like to share this with all of you...
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Recently, I grasped the reason our mother liked the song, “The Rose”, so very much. As I listened to the words, I realized how well they captured her philosophy for life: love others, even when you are down-hearted.
To her, the lyrics reached beyond the concept of romantic love to the care she poured out into the world.
For the past five years, I have been granted the honor of really getting to know our mother. Not as a parent – a role she played successfully three times over – but, as a distinct person, one I was proud to call my friend.
I discovered a woman who personified grace and kindness. A woman whose keen sense of humor buoyed her through the inherent trials and disabilities of advanced age.
I witnessed a woman who, though she hurt, felt compassion for the suffering of others. A woman who moved through the stages of her long life with dignity and self-direction, always striving to guide her adult children through the sometimes difficult decisions.
If it is true that a woman shall be remembered not by who she was, rather by what she has done in service to others, then our mother will be remembered well.
One evening, not long ago, she said,
“When I lay down to sleep each night, I thank God for the gift of the day. I've lived longer than my Bible-promised time. All the rest has been icing on the cake. I thank God for the day and tell him I'll see him in the morning.”
Here, she stopped and her blue eyes twinkled with mischief, then she said,
“..one way or the other”.

Rhett,

Our hearts and prayers are with you and your family.

Ann

What a lovely tribute to your Mom Rhett - and how fortunate that you were able to spend that time with her, and to grow closer together.
Sending you a hug that says your mama sounds like a really cool lady, and my thoughts are with you.

Rhett,

I am so sorry for your loss of your mother.
I have no doubt she was wonderful--she reared you.

The fortunate thing is that grief passes and you wlll have precious memories of her.

You are in my prayers.

Madhats, my hubby and I send you a big cyber-hug.

You know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

I know the feelings as my mother died last June. Sometimes I still think she is around and memories of the good times we had with her keep coming to mind.

Thinking of you. . .

Caol

Rhett,

So sorry for the loss of your mom. Your tribute is beautiful. My thoughts and prayers are with you today.

Very sorry, Rhett. You wrote a beautiful tribute.

Yes, Rhett. That was a lovely tribute you wrote, and your love for her shines through your words. My sincere condolences.

Rhett,
your tribute says it all. It was interesting that she liked the song, The Rose. I will be singing that next saturday again, one verse in German and two in English. It is not only a beautiful song but the words are meaningful as you pointed out.

You have great memories to help comfort you.

Lovely tribute, Rhett. Next time I look up and see a twinkling star, I will give a mischievous wink.

Sorry to hear this, Rhett. Thanks for sharing your tribute.

Malcolm

Dear Rhett,
I am glad you loved your Mama and she loved you. I felt, God knows why, to say something about her eyes. In fact, I have written and erased five post because they sounded so wierd. I wanted to say she saw wonderful things.

Love,
Betty

What a beautiful tribute, Rhett, and so sorry for your loss. It was wonderful you had the opportunity to know her as a woman as well as a mother.

Rhett, so sorry to hear about your loss, your tribute to her was beautiful.

Hugs to you,
Vickie