Last Wednesday afternoon, I got a call from my brother John. I had accidentally left my cell phone on vibrate from a meeting earlier in the day. He had already hung up by the time I answered it. I finished going through the kid’s backpacks and got them started on their homework before I called him back.
When I heard the tone of his voice, I knew something was wrong.
He calmly said, “Mom is gone.”
I don’t remember my initial reaction but it was startling enough to send my children scampering in the den to find out why their mother was so upset.
Although our Mom was 82 years old when she passed away, we were all in total shock. She had just been to the doctor the day before and appeared to be in relatively good health. We had hoped that she would live forever.
The next morning, I made the long drive home to Kilgore all by myself; alone with my thoughts and memories of a life well lived. Our mother Mary’s life was the embodiment of love.
In her quiet, gracious nature, she touched hundreds, if not thousands of lives in her roles as wife, mother, sister and nurse. As evidence of her love, the line at her visitation service this past Sunday wrapped around the funeral home. We were all pretty certain that she would be embarrassed by all the attention.
As our family is left to start our lives without hearing her voice on the phone that always greeted you as if you were the most important person in the world; we take comfort in knowing that she is now in heaven with our Daddy, sister Liz and infant sister Mary Kathleen.
Through our Mother’s eyes we saw devotion.
Through our Mother’s eyes we saw courage.
Through our Mother’s eyes we saw hope.
Through our Mother’s eyes we saw humility.
Through our Mother’s eyes we saw faith.
Through our Mother’s eyes we saw acceptance.
Through our Mother’s eyes we saw forgiveness.
Through our Mother’s eyes we saw kindness.
Through our Mother’s eyes we saw generosity.
Through our Mother’s eyes we saw optimism.
Through our Mother’s eyes we saw selflessness.
Through our Mother’s eyes we saw compassion.
Through our Mother’s eyes we saw modesty.
Through our Mother’s eyes we saw enthusiasm.
Through our Mother’s eyes we saw patience.
And most of all, through our Mother’s eyes we saw love.
Dear Laura, I am so sorry for your loss. I am keeping you and your family in my prayers. Your mother sounds like an incredible woman. And, having met you, and learning what a kind, loving, energetic soul you are, your mother must have been too since she raised you. Sending peace and comfort your way.
She was ALL that and SO much more!!! A truely amazing woman!! I LOVE you and you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers daily!!
Amen, I wish I had know her, because knowing you makes life so much better.
Sweet Friend,
I am so so sorry! Sending you hugs and prayers!
Love,
Barb
Laura-
I know your mother is smiling down on you and is so very proud of the amazing daughter she raised.
XOXOXO
Laura
I am sorry for your loss, I know how you feel, 8 years ago I lost my mom when she was 69, I still miss her, I still find myself trying to call her to share something about the kids…the love you show for your kids and the way you model your life is a great way to honor your mom and her legacy will continue to live through you. The only thought that borught comfort to me during those days and to this day is the promise of salvation, the knowing that one day we Will meet again and we will rejoice in the arms of our Heavenly Father.
So until then, may her memories keep you strong and may you remember that is a matter of time that you guys will be together again.
Laura,
My condolences to you and your family.
HI Laura, I know your Mom was just as beautiful as you are! She was amazing and I am so happy I have been able to experience her grace through knowing and loving you! I am so sad for you, please know that I am praying for you and your family. Love, Carla
Laura, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your Mother. They are our best friends when we are adults. You & your family are in my prayers.
That’s what I see when I look at you. So deeply sorry for your loss.
What a beautiful tribute to your mother! She was an amazing woman and her death leaves a hole that is as wide as it is deep. You are definitely carrying her torch, Laura!
I love you, sweet friend. She was an amazing lady and through your writing, you summed her up perfectly.
Thank you everyone. I know my heart will heal over time. It is with great friends and family that makes it a little more bearable. Love you all so much.
Just found your blog thru the link to FB about our White Christmas. Knew I had to read this posting when I saw your sweet Mother’s picture. I loved Ms. Mary. She was all you say, and did it all with such grace and poise. Casually know some of “you kids,” (I’m the between generation.) and I have to say she “did something right.”
Thank you Vickie, that means so much. We sure did miss her this Christmas. Happy New Year to you!