Tuesday, July 19, 2011

A Tribute

It's been thirteen days now since my mom unexpectedly passed away in her sleep on July 6.  I knew I counted on her, relied on her advice and wisdom, appreciated the selfless, generous things she did for me... I called her all the time for the most mundane things- like paint color and ant problems and especially parenting, but she didn't mind and had such a knack for common sense (that not everyone has I must say!)... but I didn't realize I banked on her always being here.  The morning my dad called at 6am it was the last thing I expected to hear- I didn't even seem to be a joke, just NOT POSSIBLE. 

I'm here at their house in Michigan now, helping my dad in any way I can (which is helping me too) and it still doesn't seem real.  But, my faith is stronger than I realized and I am comforted by all the things my mom loved:  family & friends, sunshine, gentle breezes, ripples on the water, birds at her feeders and the gorgeous blooms in her flower beds. 

Please, for me, take a moment to figure out who your rock(s) is/are in your family and hug them tight, express your love and appreciate evey moment.  I'm so very fortunate to have had the mom that I did and to be left with so many memories and no regrets, no words unspoken, no gesture unappreciated. 

Rest in peace mom. 
~Kristin

22 comments:

  1. This is a beautiful tribute to your mom. My mom passed away almost 20 years ago but I remember how I would pick up the phone to call her just to chat. I missed that and I still do.

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  2. Kristin, I am so sorry to hear this....I will be praying that God gives you the strength to get through every minute, hour, day & week. It DOES get better, but it is never the same. Laugh when you can, but don't be afraid to cry. Cyber hugs coming to you!
    LeAnne

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  3. I am so sorry to hear of your very sad news. I hope that you and your dad find the strength to grieve together and that with passing time the grief will lift a little. It sounds like your mum was a very special person and that you had a close and wonderful relstionship. I hope that when my daughters are older that they can speak of me in the same way. You have been very lucky. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Sarah xxx

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  4. I am so sorry for your loss. My heart breaks for you. I lost my mom 10 years ago so I understand how you feel. Know that I will keep you and your family in my prayers. I find it helpful to scrap a lo about my mom or some special time we had together when I feel blue and miss her.

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  5. Oh Kristin, I'm so very sorry to hear that you lost your precious mother! It brakes my heart. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

    God bless,
    Jackie

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  6. Oh Kristin, my heart goes out to you. I am so sorry. May you find peace within. Hugs, my friend.

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  7. So sorry to hear of your loss, Kristin! I hope that the memories of your mom bring smiles and that God would bring peace and comfort during this difficult time! Praying for you and your family!

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  8. Kristin, reading what you wrote about your mom touches my heart. It is exactly how my sister and I felt when our wonderful mom passed away at age 68 of cancer. We both talked to her daily. We miss her so much and it has been five and a half years. She was a great listener, and gave us advice on those little things you mentioned. Hold close all your fond memories. They will give you comfort over the months ahead.

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  9. I know how hard it is to lose someone, especially unexpectedly, my sympathy to you, your dad and family. It sounds like you had a great relationship with your mom and no regrets, that truly is a great memory to have.

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  10. Kristen - prayers for you and your family. So happy you had such a wonderful relationship with your mom. You will be comforted by those memories.

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  11. Dear Kristin,I am so sorry to hear your Mother passed away. Your post is a lovely tribute to her. It made me think about how much I cherish my parents. I will keep you in my prayers. With deepest sympathy, Karen (in Michigan)

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  12. Kristin,
    I can see in her everything you describe - what a great mom, wife, grandmother and friend - we have another angel up in heaven :) Prayers for you and your family as you adjust and remember her with very fond memories! I know she will always be right with you there in all of your hearts.
    Hugs, Kim in Washington :)

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  13. Kristin, I'm so sorry for the loss of your Mother. I can't begin to imagine what you are going through. Thanks for reminding me to appreciate my mom...I do tend to take her for granted. You're in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs, Beth

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  14. Dear Kristin, I am so sorry to hear about your mother. My mother and mother-in-law have been gone for 5 years and 7 years and I miss them both every day. They were both warm, loving, common sense, wise women too. Take care of your dad. He will need help more than ever. We are all here for you. Sincerely, Nancy B

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  15. Kristen, You do not know me, but your blog postings brighten my day and give me great stamping ideas. Your beautiful tribute to your mom has just moved me to comment. I am so, so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. Your strength & faith are an inspiration to me. Your mother would be proud. I hope you continue to find comfort on all of the things your mother loved!

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  16. Kristen, my thoughts & prayers are with you as you & your family struggle with the loss. Cling to the memories & know that she is with you always. A loss of a parent is sad in so many ways...it means you've lost a "best friend". God bless.

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  17. Oh Kristin I'm so sorry to hear your sad news. I hope that you and your family are sticking together at this tough time. Your post inspired me to squeeze my family a little bit tighter at bedtime.
    Take care and hope to see you back online when you are ready.

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  18. I'm very sorry to read of this, Kristin! So sad for your loss, but happy for your good memories and lack of any regrets. My mom is my go-to person as well, and periodically I wonder what I will ever do without her when the time comes! What a terrible thing to have to go through! It is hard to know what one means in the term "faith," but I hope God will show Himself to you in this time of grieving and draw you closer to Himself as you move forward. Prayers, Ellen

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  19. What a beautiful post Kristin. I see her beauty in you. I'm glad you are with your Dad, helping each other through this difficult time. I hope the kids are doing okay. You know I'm here for you. Still sending hugs and prayers to lift you up. I know you are strong....but remember it's okay to laugh and cry when you feel it.

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  20. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers going out to you.

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  21. I am so sorry to hear of the death of your mom. Like you, I talked to my mom just about everyday. When she died, the phone was so hard for me to deal with. I didn't want to leave the house because I was afraid she would call and I would miss her call. Yeah, my brain knew she was gone, but my emotions didn't. I know your heart is breaking. It will get easier, but you will always miss your mom. Hugs, Sue

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  22. Oh Kristin, I'm SO sorry to hear of your mom's untimely passing. You are in my prayers.
    Hugs, Laurie

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