Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Tribute to Mom - Sweet Dreams Pretty Woman



The last three weeks have been incredibly happy, sad, challenging and at times extremely frustrating.  My sister and I rescued our mom  exactly three weeks ago from the Adult Family Home she has been living in for almost two years.  Mom was unhappy, she felt her boundaries weren't being respected and she wanted out of there.  My sister and I moved mom in with me and we had 8 glorious days seeing mom so incredibly happy.  Mom loves "water" and she was able to see Lake Washington every day as she sat in her recliner and looked out the living room window.  She smiled every day and had an appetite that made us smile.  Hercules loved spending time on his grandma's lap and she kept saying that "He is just to cute!" as she stroked his fur. 

What we weren't anticipating was having to move mom to a Hospice Center on the 9th day.  Fortunately we were able to stay in mom's room and we were with her until she passed away late Saturday night. I'm so thankful that my sister Denise was there with me.  Denise and I were like bookends - and we were each standing guard over mom each and every day.  It's so hard to watch someone you love slip away a little more every day.  It was gut wrenching at times but worth every single second. 

I really miss mom and my little home feels so empty without her.  I miss her smile!!  I miss her sparkling blue eyes!!  I miss her hugs, the touch of her hands in mine, I miss seeing the love in her eyes and now my heart has to learn to beat to a new rhythm in life.  I miss seeing her when I get up in the morning and tucking her into bed every night.  I will miss seeing her dance to "Pretty woman".  It was so cute - we would put that song on and she couldn't resist dancing to it - she loved it!!

Mom showed me how to be strong and to never give up!! 





9 comments:

  1. I came to visit your blog after seeing you join in Vicky's blog hop. I saw this post and the lovely picture of your Mom and had to stop and read. I am so very sorry for your loss. I arrived in WA state 2 weeks ago to attend the funeral of an 'extra Dad' a man who has been a part of my life for over 50 years. I am also visiting my Mom who will be 99 in July. I can soooooo relate to your words. Each time I leave to go home I wonder if this is the last time I will see her. It's so hard. I commend you for realizing your Mother's distress and taking the huge step of moving her in with you. I'm so glad you had that special time to share life together. Stay strong, cherish the wonderful memories that forever live in your heart. I hope you'll visit my blog and we can visit again under better circumstances. Many hugs, Patti.

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  2. I, too, came to visit your blog from the blog hop. I'm so glad you were able to rescue your mom and have her with you for one final good week. Lake Washington is so beautiful. My good friend, Marion, lives in Redmond and has a similar view from her house. I can understand how your mom would have enjoyed it. How wonderful that you were able to be such a blessing to her.

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  3. hugs to you, Laine. I'm so sorry to hear about your loss but am so glad you got those last special days together. Treasure the happy memories!

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  4. I'm sad about your mom but glad you had some great quality time with her before her passing.

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  5. Bless I read this with tears in my eyes (I came to visit you blog from the blog hop) I am so glad you had those wnderful days with your mother She sounds like she was wonderful lady to know What wonderful memories you have to treasure

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  6. Laine--what a blessing to spend time with her in the end. Losing a loved one is hard. May each day bring you more and more comfort. God Bless!

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  7. It is so wonderful that you all had such happy times together, my thoughts are with you and I hope that each day brings more peace and comfort.

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  8. Sending you big hugs, I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you in my thoughts...

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  9. Oh Laine, Im so sorry for your loss...I have been where you are, I lost my Mom to cancer a few years ago... I know you will always treasure your special time with her and your sister and you will have a stronger bond because of what you have shared.. Keeping you in my prayers and I will be thinking of you Mother's Day... Big Hugs Kim

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