In November we were told my mother had bone cancer, which had come as a result of an earlier breast cancer. We weren't even close to prepared for how fast it would move. For the past three weeks our family has been gathered close, trying to spend as much time as possible with her. I admire the positive attitude she has maintained throughout the ordeal. The past few days were especially hard on her, and today she passed away. I feel relief that she is free of suffering, but I also feel the empty void that her presence filled in my life. I love her so much.
I have the faith that I will see her again, but the feelings of loss are still strong.
Posted by Kelly Thorson (Member # 2958) on :
So sorry for your loss Russ, but I am glad her suffering is over. It's been a long haul for both her and your family. Call if you feel like talking. Posted by Kimberly Zanetti (Member # 2546) on :
Russ, I know that it's terribly hard right now but talking with you over the last few weeks, I also know that you were able to spend some really good quality time with her and you both had an opportunity to express your love for each other.
((((((BIG HUGS TO YOU)))))))
Posted by Laura Butler (Member # 1830) on :
Russ, So sorry for your loss. We know that as our parents get older and older that the time of their passing gets closer and closer but that still doesn't seem to ease the blow when they finally leave this earth.
When my mom died in Oct., for weeks I had this feeling or emotion that I couldn't figure out what it was. It finally occurred to me that I could no longer call her just to say HI". I guess this is all part of the loss and it does get better with time. I thank God that you had wonderful times and memories with her and that her pain has ceased. May God give you and your family comfort during this time.
Posted by John Deaton (Member # 925) on :
God bless you and your family Russ. Im really sorry for your loss.
Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
Russ
Sorry to hear of your loss.
-grampa dan
Posted by Judy Pate (Member # 237) on :
Russ, Praying that God will give you comfort and peace during this time of loss. I'm glad you got to spend quality time with her before she left this world. My Mother was taken suddenly in a car accident and my siblings and I didn't have that time. God bless, Judy
[ March 18, 2007, 04:31 PM: Message edited by: Judy Pate ]
Posted by Barb. Shortreed (Member # 1730) on :
Russ I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Mother. Please accept our condolences and I hope the memories you have of her help with the grief your feeling.
Posted by Cis Pack (Member # 2011) on :
Hey Russ. I am so sorry. I went through the same thing with my Mom. She had breast cancer in 1980 and then had mysterious lung problems in 1995. Her lungs would fill with fluid and they did numberous cytology studies but nothing ever showed a definate cancer, always showed very questionable CA of lung. She lasted about3 months but I was glad it was no longer. Thank goodness she was not in pain but her O2 sats were very low. Remember the good times you had together and she will always be with you in your heart. God Bless you and your family.
Posted by Barry Branscum (Member # 445) on :
Russ, So sorry for your loss. It doesn't matter how old you are, losing a parent is never easy.
I still miss my dad horribly, and its been 4 years TODAY. So I can definitely relate, in more ways than one....
A good friend of mine called me a couple hours ago to let me know his mom died early this morning of a heart attack after a long illness and hospitalization.
To add worse to worse, he is an inmate in a state penitentiary, and cannot attend the funeral.
[ March 18, 2007, 05:31 PM: Message edited by: Barry Branscum ]
Posted by Doug Allan (Member # 2247) on :
My condolences to you and your family Russ.
Posted by Jillbeans (Member # 1912) on :
I'm sorry too, Russ. May she rest in peace. Love....Jill
Posted by Miles Cullinane (Member # 980) on :
Russ, So sorry to hear of your loss.
It's coming up on the 1st anniversary of my Dad's passing so I can relate. Memories are the thing to treasure now and as Ray would say, send flowers to the living.
Posted by Steve Racz (Member # 4376) on :
My condolences to you and your family Russ.
Posted by kent moss (Member # 4295) on :
So sorry,Russ
Posted by Alicia B. Jennings (Member # 1272) on :
Sad news, sorry for your loss.
Posted by Duncan Wilkie (Member # 132) on :
My heart goes out to you at this difficult time.
Posted by William Holohan (Member # 2514) on :
Russ, So sorry to hear of your loss. prayers of comfort for you and yours.
Posted by Jean Shimp (Member # 198) on :
Russ, I will pray that you will find the peace and strenght to get you through this hard time and that you will find comfort in knowing that one day you will be reunited with your loved ones.
Posted by Suelynn Sedor (Member # 442) on :
It sounds like you were a huge blessing to her Russ. I'm glad you were able to spend so much time with her.
I'm sorry about her passing. Suelynn
Posted by jack wills (Member # 521) on :
I share your feelings Russ, It's a time for healing and that will take a while. Bless you and those around you.
Jack
Posted by Donna in BC (Member # 130) on :
So sorry to hear of your loss Russ.
I just celebrated my mom's 80th bday today with 85 people attending. My brother created an amazing slideshow that showcased our entire lives. It really made me appreciate her all the more. And your post just magnified all the feelings I felt today.
I think the meaning of one's passing is a powerful tool for others. It really emphasises how special we have it right now while they are still with us. As much as it hurts you now, your mom's passing is helping others get their lives in check. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by Tim Borden (Member # 853) on :
Hi Russ, I'm very sorry for your loss.
I know the feeling of relief from my Dad's death 21 years ago. I felt so guilty, but finally realized it was what he wanted. The afternoon before his death, he asked me to kill him. Of course, there was no way I could do that. He passed about 4:30 the next morning.
Now, I'm watching my Mom go away. She's been in the esrly stages of Alzheimers for a few years, but one day in late October, it was like someone turned on a switch. She still recognizes us, and comes up with absolutely hilarious statements that require thought. I thought my bizzare sense of humor cae from my Dad, but now I see she was just his straight man. She held together a totally dysfunctional family, and I wonder how that stress affected her mental health.
I hope you receive the support you'll need after this. I still have the same dysfunctional family, so I have no idea what my future holds.
Tim Borden
Posted by Bruce Bowers (Member # 892) on :
Russ,
Sorry news of your loss. It is time to celebrate her life. She had a wonderful and talented son like you and that is quite the legacy.
Wishing you and yours the best in these times.
Bruce and Dana
Posted by Rene Giroux (Member # 4980) on :
Sorry for your loss Russ...sad news.
Posted by Neil D. Butler (Member # 661) on :
Please accept my Condolences Russ, we Had dinner at my mom's place last night and I wondered to myself how much longer do we have together?, My heart goes out to you.
Posted by bill riedel (Member # 607) on :
Sorry for your loss Russ, this is a hard time, but thinking of all the good times with her should help.
Posted by Sal Cabrera (Member # 1236) on :
I'm sorry too, Russ. my condolence May she rest in peace.
Posted by Raymond Chapman (Member # 361) on :
Russ, you certainly have my sympathy and today prayers will go up on your behalf. Good memories will be there also to sustain you.
Posted by Deri Russell (Member # 119) on :
So sorry to hear of your loss Russ. My condolences.
Posted by Bob Peach (Member # 2620) on :
Sorry for your loss,Russ. Please accept our condolences.
Posted by Michael Clanton (Member # 2419) on :
Sorry for your loss, our prayers are with you and your family. I lost my dad last May, he was also in poor health-- so I know the mixed feelings of relief and the hollow feeling of loss. One of the hardest things for me was not being able to call him or talk to him whenever I wanted.
I'm glad to hear that your family was able to spend time with her towards the end.
Posted by Wayne Webb (Member # 1124) on :
Sorry for your loss, Russ.
Posted by Janette Balogh (Member # 192) on :
My heart goes out to you Russ.
~nettie
Posted by Bob Kaschak (Member # 3146) on :
Sorry to hear for your loss.
Peace, Bob
Posted by Lotti Prokott (Member # 2684) on :
I'm really sorry to hear of your loss.
I understand what you mean by saying you are relieved but the void is great. We went through the same thing with my dad. God bless you and your family at this difficult time.
Posted by Deb Fowler (Member # 1039) on :
Russ, My heartfelt sympathies to you of the loss of your Mom. May God give you the peace and comfort you need at this time. I also feel you show her honor always by the way you live; she must have been an extraordinary loving and giving person.
I still miss my mom, dad and sister; my sister had the breast cancer too, and was surrounded by those who loved her at the end of her journey; her four children and husband in Idaho Falls, ID. It was so far away for me when I lived in Ohio, I wish I could have spent more time with her, but, did make a couple journeys out with my children , and also had my eldest son spend the summer prior to that time, and it was wonderful for her and us.
May the wonderful memories and peace surround you each day.
Posted by Mike Murray (Member # 840) on :
Condolences to you and your family Russ.
Posted by Steve Thomas Greer (Member # 4566) on :
Hey Russ.....
Mom's are very special people I didn't fully appreciate all my mother did for me/us until I had my own kids.
My sympathy goes out to you and your family!
Posted by Donald Miner (Member # 6472) on :
Russ, so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you and your family. I've been down that long road also. Peace, Don
Posted by Ricky Jackson (Member # 5082) on :
So sorry for your loss Russ. My mom's not far behind.
Posted by Bobbie Rochow (Member # 3341) on :
Russ, I feel so bad. You must feel terribly hurt. I pray you will make it through this time ok, & that it pulls your family together close.
Posted by Rick Sacks (Member # 379) on :
Russ, so sorry.....
Posted by Tracie Johnson (Member # 6117) on :
So sorry for your loss, Russ. I too lost my parents recently in 2005 a few months apart from each other. Just stay busy but still allow yourself time to mourn and try to keep your remaining family close.
Posted by David Harding (Member # 108) on :
Russ,
I have been out of town the last week and returned to find this thread and also to learn of the deaths of two friends while I was gone.
I've never met your mom but I got to spend many enjoyable hours with her son in Lodi. To have raised someone as thoughtful and caring as you, she must have been quite a woman. Our hearts go out to you at this sad time.
Posted by jake snow (Member # 5889) on :
Just keep the pics and voice in your memory. All you can do. She's in a better place bro. Even a thought of a time can bring a smile back to your face for a bit. Thoughts go out to you tonight too.
Posted by Jon Jantz (Member # 6137) on :
Hey Russ, I've been outa town for a few days and just got back to see this post...
I've not lost either my parents so can only imagine what it's like to go through this... I feel for you and will be thinking of you, and hope you have many happy memories that will let her live on in your heart.....
Posted by Russ McMullin (Member # 5617) on :
I haven't been able to respond until now, but I am very thankful for your words of support and encouragement. They mean a lot to me.
Posted by Jane Diaz (Member # 595) on :
Sorry for your loss, Russ.
Posted by Robin Sharrard (Member # 388) on :
Prayer's are with you Russ...
Posted by Nancie W. Phillips (Member # 3484) on :
Russ, I too had the pleasure of meeting you in Lodi. I must agree with David. I've also walked my parents to the end... and I miss them too. Your memories will be precious- hang on to them. I pray that your grief will be short.
Posted by Pierre Tardif (Member # 3229) on :
My condolence Russ. Sorry for your loss.
Posted by Brian Diver (Member # 1552) on :
Bummer Russ, Sorry for the loss. I will have a very deep hole in my heart when my mother passes as I love her dearly.
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