Sunday, May 14, 2017

Mothers Day



Hello all. It's been an intense few months, but I'm back. I've spent a great deal of time in Wisconsin with my mom, who had suffered a series of strokes after the death of my dad. Ever since her first stroke, Mom would repeatedly tell me and my family that she was ready to "go be with your father", and as of May 5th, she finally was able to do just that. I feel privileged to have been with her when she drew her last breath.  

Her funeral was Wednesday, and what a funeral. Two priests con-celebrating the Mass, the church filled to the rafters with family and friends, the altar overflowing with flowers, and an enormous luncheon spread provided by her friends afterwards. Mom certainly would have been touched had she been able to see it all.

So Mothers Day this year is bittersweet for me. I will miss her dearly and feel as though our family has been cheated out of potentially several more years with her; but I also am sincerely happy that she is now where she has longed to be since January of 2016.

14 comments:

annie said...

Dear Julia,
I'm so sorry to hear of you Mum's passing. On the one hand, it is terribly difficult to let go, but you so do not want them to continue suffering.
She would have been very honoured to have had such a turn out for her funeral. I'm sure she leaves you and your families with many wonderful loving memories as she happily departed to greet your Dad. R.I.P. She looks beautiful in her gown.

710.9 - Melissa said...

Oh, my goodness, what a difficult couple of years you've had! I am so sorry to hear about your mother. She was so lucky to have you as her daughter.

I hope you are doing as well was possible, all things considered, and that you have some better days soon.

annie said...

Julia,
I wanted to ask how you've been able to cope with all that's been happening in your life. I know two years ago when I lost both my husband and then my Dad, I was full of energy and I coped so well, I thought I was in some kind of remission. Think again! I am now slowly coming out of some deep and horrible pain, some depression,and horrendous fatigue that I did not realize I had while I had been coping with illness and death and all the rest that goes with it.

Just wanted to say to take care of yourself now, because you really need to focus on yourself and your health. So sorry for rambling on, but I really feel for you and what you've been through recently with your parents, in spite of your bad health situation. Be well.

Amy Junod said...

I am very sorry to hear of your mother's passing. I can only imagine how difficult yesterday must have been. Thinking of you and sending warm thoughts from Texas.

Anonymous said...

Julia, I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Thank you for letting us know. Just this weekend I thought of you and wondered how you were doing.
My heart aches for you. I will be praying for you and your family. Please do take extra special care of yourself in the days ahead.
With Sincerest Sympathy,
Christie

Nancy said...

I am sincerely sorry to hear about the loss of your dear mother, Julia. Thank you for letting us know. Please look after yourself.

BeckyJo M. said...


I'm so sorry to hear of your mother's passing and I understand as we lost my mother 11 years ago (she was buried on my parents wedding anniversary day). Mother's Day is the worst for me because all the ads say to call your mother or send her a gift. If only I could! Please take care of yourself!

Unknown said...

Aw Julia, I am sorry to hear about the loss of your Mother. I bet she was a wonderful lady to have as your Mom!
Take care of yourself. I'm sending you lots of love and healing hugs from Olymoia <3

Sue said...

Julia, I am so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. How wonderful that she had such a loving send off. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Sue

Liz J said...

Oh my goodness Julia ~ so sorry. I know how this feels ~ losing your mother is such a painful thing. You have been in my thoughts and prayers and will continue to be. I am so very sorry for your loss.

Anonymous said...

Julia,
So glad to hear from you again. So sorry to hear about your mother's passing. You have had so much to deal with these last few years. Please take care of yourself and know that you have a community of people that are praying for you and wishing you well.

Anonymous said...

Am sending you condolences from the UK. I suspect that you're mother was extremely proud of you.

Nicole said...

Dear Julia,

I am so sorry! Your mother was obviously such a special and beautiful person, and you had a close bond that can't be broken by death, only stretched to its maximum endurance. So glad that she's with your dad once again. Take time to mourn and recover, knowing that we miss you and support you.

Love and hugs,

Nicole

Anonymous said...

Our childhood officially dies when mom dies..no one ever cares about us like our moms...
my condolences to you and your family...I have so missed your blogs but family first...always...
take care of yourself and write us again when the spirit returns...

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