Well…you guys almost broke my blog! The day I posted about My Mom, hundreds of you left a comment. Every single one (and I have read them all) was a blessing. Each one of you is a blessing. I am honestly having a hard time coming up with the words to convey my thanks. I don’t know how to adequately express how grateful I am for your friendship…so I hope you just know. You generously shared your own stories and each one had its own message. You held me up when all I wanted to do was crumble.
My mom’s death has changed me forever. The phrase “life is short” has a brand new meaning. I want to live each moment like it was my last and not waste even one day. I know that might sound sort of dramatic, but I honestly feel differently about the years ahead. I can’t explain it fully but I want to try harder, love without reservation and live in the moment.
I need to get back to work. So many of you said to give myself time…and I promise I will…but I need to fill my days with something positive and wonderful. I can’t think of a better way to do that than hanging out with all of you. This blog has saved me countless times. Once again, it is coming to the rescue.
So many of you have asked about my dad. He is actually doing pretty good. We both have our moments of course…but we are starting to remember how my mom was before she got sick. I won’t let her final years define her and my dad feels the same way. We have no regrets. We both know we did the very best we could in regards to her care. We certainly weren’t perfect but we should get an “A” for effort. We are incredibly grateful that she was able to come home and be with us at the end of her life. My dad always put her happiness and well-being before his. He has been an incredible role model…not just for me but for my kids. That in itself is a precious gift.
I haven’t done a real project since before Christmas. With spring just around the corner, I hope to share some new and inspiring ideas. I will be sharing more of my eBay blog with anyone who subscribes by email…so if you haven’t signed up and want to, just click the image below my signature. (It might be among some ads so I’m sorry about that.)
With a grateful heart,
Ann,
I just logged on and there you were reminding all of us to stop and smell the roses.
I think of you often. When my dad passed at 60 from diabetic complications, my mom was only 62. My Pastor gave me a wonderful book for her. I think it was called, Becoming a Widow. I know as my mom helped friends through the loss of their spouses she would give them this same book. It may be something for you to share with your dad.
Loosing a parent is never easy, but I sure learned a lot from her that last year as she struggled with the changes going on. My mom passed at 87 and it will be nine years in April. I cherish every moment I had with her.
Remember the God Whispers that one of your readers commented about. I responded to her with my most favorite God Whisper about my mom.
june
Life hands us so many challenges, so many good things as well. Today is the anniversary of my Mother’s passing. At 96 she was ready to move on, it has been two years. May you find peace at this time and may your work (which is inspiring and lovely) help you during the transition.
So glad to hear from you today. I is always good to know that we are not alone . It makes life hard times easier. So thankful the Lordd says I will never leave you nor forsake you. Love your drawing.
Have a blessed day.
Hugs
Ann, my mother passed away 22years ago, and hardly a day goes by that I don’t wish I could just have a conversation with her to tell her about what is going on with our family. She lived with us the last 3years of her life. What a blessing for my 3children to have happy memories of her evan though she was not in the best of health. May God comfort you and your family in your loss.
Ann…it is so wonderful to see you back. Your post brought tears to my eyes reminding me of losing my dad three years ago. Huge HUGS to you!
Losing my parents was the toughest thing I ever had to do in life. I sorely miss my father but he lived a full life. My mother was taken suddenly 18 years ago now. If you are anything like me – and I think you are because we’re friends, rest assured that everything you are feeling and experiencing is normal. Honestly, I still have days when I miss her so much it brings on the tears after all this time, but then I remember how wonderful she was and how I was blessed to have her as a Mother and that makes me happy. I love your remark about “A” for effort. I think I’ll use that as my personal motto going forward. Live in the moment! Love to you.
Glad to see you’re back and your Dad is doing ok, i’m like you in that sharing with others is a way to work through the hard times and to do something to give to others it’s like therapy in it’s own way, so welcome back and look forward to your upcoming emails
I, too, have been thinking of you at the very sad time. I saw how many people had left their condolences so I thought I would wait to leave mine. I lost my mum a couple of years ago and it does get easier with time, although you never stop missing them. With very best wishes from over the pond.
Need more good people in this world today of all the crazy stuff that goes on.I miss my mom also sometimes I see an older lady in the store with gray hair pushing a cart and just want to go up to her and say Hi mom what are you doing? So time passes and things do become more important and people. Surround yourself with the good. I enjoy your blog and love to hear your story. Your amazing.
I’ve been thinking about you lately Ann. I’m so happy to hear from you and I’m glad you have so many awesome friends here to keep your spirits lifted. Just know we are always here for you and we love each and every project you share. Keep it up, you’re doing fantastic!