Journey
I've returned.
This journey was a difficult one, and I thank all of you who wrote, sent best wishes, and prayed for my mother and I. I found it inspiring and amazing that this little blog, set in the middle of nowhere, could receive the generous amount of good hearted wishes it did.
When I visited in early November, Mom complained of a slightly sore rib, and wondered how she'd pulled a muscle, as she hadn't done any garden work lately! After Thanksgiving, she was diagnosed with cancer throughout her body. By Christmas, there was only slim hope left, but she tried one shot at chemotherapy. January was the hardest, watching her lose weight and energy. Her younger sister and baby brother showed up Saturday, the 23rd, and she whispered her goodbyes to them. She lingered until early Friday morning, when I awoke at 1:45 am, and couldn't hear her breathing. She died January 29th.
Her funeral was February 3rd, and she would have liked it. She had planned most of it years ago, written her obituary, and set up legal details to help us kids as Daddy had set up details for her so many years ago. She was an efficient, hard-working, virtuous woman.
This photo will become a treasure for me... the last three generation photo we took last April.
So I am absent my friend... my instructor... my mentor... my inspiration.
If we all could meet Death with the Grace and Faith she did, we'd live in a better world.
Dorotha Geraldine (Jerri) Underwood Burton
July 9, 1931 - January 29, 2010
Thanks, Mom, for Everything.
Fly Away.
*hugs*
Reply to this
*accepted* thanks
Reply to this
What a beautiful tribute to your mom; I am so sorry for your loss.
That three generation photo is a treasure. Your mom had much to be proud of!
Mary
Reply to this
Thanks, Mary. I'll love that pic forever, even though I look pretty rough!
Reply to this
Carol, you have been in my prayers. God will give you the strength to make it through. You have wonderful memories to treasure. Now I can check and see what is happening in Ten Sleep. God bless.
Reply to this
Glee, thanks for your prayers, I do appreciate them.
Reply to this
I am so grateful you shared this, and that her passing was relatively quick and peaceful.
May you find comfort in your memories, and the love that is sent your way here.
Hugs,
Karyn
Reply to this
Karyn, thanks for the love and hugs...
Reply to this
I am sorry to hear of your mother's passing; you both have been in my thoughts. This lovely tribute is a testament to your mother's generous love and grace. How blessed you both obviously were in your relationship.
Reply to this
Kris, yep, for years I've known how lucky I was to have my mom as a friend as well... when I told her how great a mom she'd been, she smiled and said "Well, there's room for improvement." I really don't know how...
Reply to this
A beautiful tribute to a beautiful woman. My deepest sympathies on the loss of your mother. You both have been in my thoughts. Comforting thoughts to you and your family.
Marcia
Reply to this
Marcia, thank you.
Reply to this
You have been in my thoughts since you left. I am so so sorry that events turned as they have. You have many wondrous memories that will keep your mom close and alive for you.
Your tribute was inspiring. Hugs from Texas.
Reply to this
Robin, thanks for hanging in here as a reader... I'll share a few memories as time goes by...
Reply to this
So sorry that you have lost your Mum.
What a lovely tribute.
Stuart
Reply to this
Stuart, thanks!
Reply to this
Carol, Perry and I are so sorry to hear of your mother's death. Please, accept our condolences. We both are familiar with the sadness of such a loss so let our thoughts of compassion, added with all the others, be a support to you as the next phase of your life begins.
Reply to this
Sally, tell Perry thanks, and thanks to you...
Reply to this
Welcome back home Carol. Hugs to you and your family. Though I didn't write you were on my mind and I visited often to see if there was news. What a blessing for you and your Mom that you were able to spend that time with her. YOU are now her living tribute, and a very fine one too.
Reply to this
Gee, you know how to make me cry... that was so sweet, thank you so much!
Reply to this
Carol, My condolences on the loss of your Mother, I know what a great loss it is. Know that you have many friends, some you don't even know. I'm glad you are back.
Reply to this
I'm very grateful for those "unknown" friends and their good wishes, thank you.
Reply to this
Dear Carol,
Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your wonderful mother. I have been thinking of you both throughout the past weeks. The tribute you wrote, along with the photos, was very special. May the love of your family and friends sustain and comfort you.
Reply to this
Thank you so so much. What kind words...
Reply to this
How sad. I'm so sorry for the loss of your Mom. May God Bless you and your family and give you strength "to carry on" as I am sure she would want you to do. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Reply to this
Thanks... sharing is hard to do... but I will share with you memories of this beautiful lady at times...
Reply to this
I am so sorry for you loss and it brought tears to my eyes reading about your sweet momma. I missed reading sooner to know what you were up against because my mom has been in bad health and I have been taking care of her. It is such a sad thing to lose the last parent I am sure. My daddy died 24 years ago and my mom has been strong too. I pray for you to have strength to carry on and feel the joy of her life. God Bless You and your family.
Reply to this
I hope you can enjoy your mom through her bad health, I know it can be hard sometimes, but just hang in there. Thanks for your prayers.
Reply to this
Carol,
That was a beautiful tribute to your wonderful Mom. You have been in my thoughts and prayers; please know that a stranger from across the states is sending you a hug.
Reply to this
Thanks!
Reply to this
I love reading your blog. So sorry to hear of the loss of your Mother. You are lucky to have had such a wonderful relationship with her. My Mom is 92, I treasure her every day. Karen
Reply to this
Karen, thanks. Give your mom a hug for me!
Reply to this
I'm so glad you're back, but so very sorry for your loss. What a blessing that you could be there with her to the end. You've been in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs
Reply to this
Della, it was a blessing...
Reply to this
Just wanted to say sorry for your mom's passing. What a treasure...
Reply to this
Carol:
My condolences on the passing of your mom. Even though I am not the praying type, I believe that subconsciously I did offer up a prayer for you and your family every day that I would look at your calendar. Peace be with you through the coming days as you work through you grief. Know that you are loved by many.
Reply to this
Good Morning Dear. I'm very sorry for your loss. Your Mother must have been an amazing woman to have raised such a Lovely daughter.
Reply to this
Thank you...
Reply to this
Adding my heart felt condolences for your loss. I've checked on your blog every so often and just now read your update. End of life is a difficult journey for everyone. You made your mom's journey easier and are now left with your own. Sending you my thoughts and prayers to find comfort in the wonderful memories of your mom. Gentle hugs.
Reply to this
Sue in SC, ok, you made me tear up, your thoughts were so sweet. Hugs back.
Reply to this
It's good to have you back, tho' the reason for your ability to return brings such sadness. You were blessed to have your mom for so long, and the loving supportive relationship that made that time so worthwhile.
Peace.
Reply to this
Some belated hugs from alabama.... I'm not so great with keeping up with blogs, at least not in a timely manner.
I hope you are doing well.
Reply to this
Just found you are back and so sorry for your loss. I'm glad you were able to be with your Mom during her illness.
May you find comfort in all your wonderful memories.
Reply to this
Sandy, thanks for your kind words...
Reply to this
I too, just found that you had returned. Please accept my condolences on the loss of your mother.
*hugs* and a *slurp* from Chandler
Reply to this