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| Ethel Catherine MacDonald 9-18-1924 to 3-13-2016 |
My mom left this world in the wee hours of this morning. I was in Iowa at her side. In the days since her decline a few days ago, her room was full of family and friends. We visited and told stories, and even though she couldn't join the conversation, we think she was listening.
I was alone with her as her breathing slowed just after 1 a.m.. "You've had a good long life," I said. "Lots and lots of people love you." Her breathing became so shallow it was barely noticeable, then she left us.
21 comments:
You loved her so well. Thanks for sharing your mom with us. Hugs to you.
I'm thankful your mom passed so peacefully. You took care of her for a long time and you gave her the gift of family and friends before she died. Take care.
My condolences to you, Denise. You were a perfect daughter to your mom. You took immaculate care of her and then you took her home and got to be with her in the end. You should feel so proud.
Denise, I am so sorry about your mom. I have enjoyed reading about all her adventures w you in CA. What a beautiful experience, well most of the time. My mom died at 95 2 years ago. So many of the things your mom said were the same as my mom.
And trips to the ER are the worst. I am thinking of you and holding you in my heart.When I saw the beautiful photograph all I could think was that it was too soon. I can't imagine how you and your siblings must feel.
carol reed
Condolences. She departed surrounded by love.
You took such good care of your Mom. I admire you and cherish all the stories you shared with us. Sending sincere condolences and hugs from here. x0x0x0 N2
I am so sorry, Denise.
Oh, Denise! My god! I can't believe it which is so silly since she has lived so long and so valiantly! You took such good and tender care of her for so many years and then you took her to a place where her loved ones could come and visit and that was perfect. And you were there with her when she passed on to the next place.
I send you my love, my respect, my admiration and my condolences. I thank you for letting us get to know your amazing mother.
I will raise the next martini I drink to her! And the one after that will be raised to you.
I hope that your grief is tempered by vast peace. You deserve that in every way.
What a wonderful gift you gave your mother: yourself. Bless you and I'm so sorry. Love. LN
Denise,
I don't know you, but have enjoyed your posts. So sorry for the loss of your mom. This is a difficult and precious time. Thank you for sharing your story.
Oh, Denise, this has been a long journey. I am so glad you got to be with her as she left. I admire your steadfast care of her, and how real you have been. Sending you strength and love, Kath
As always, you have written with love and power and it breathes in every single word. I'm sending you hugs and kisses and words of comfort and always, admiration, for the grace with which you live your life.
Dear Denise, I am so sorry she is gone. You will miss her deeply but take comfort in how well you loved her and that you left nothing undone. With love and prayers for peace as you adjust the the world "before" and "after." You have been such a good daughter.
You were a good daughter to her and she knew that. I'm so sorry for your loss.
You were a good daughter and friend to her. I am sorry for your loss.
You are beautiful like your mother....
my condolences
you were one precious daughter to her
hug
I am sorry for your loss. Blessings to you.
Oh Denise, my deepest sympathy. I'm glad you could be there with her and that she was able to see so many friends and relatives to say goodbye. You done good.
I am so sorry for your loss. My father in law died at home in hospice care this past week. From the experience I learned that there is such a thing as a peaceful death. You have been such a wonderful daughter and companion to her.
I read your blog often. My deepest condolences, I am sorry for your loss. She and you were blessed that you could be at her side for this great transition. - S
What sad news, but also good news... good because she left surrounded with the love you gave her, and that you made it possible for everyone she knew and loved to be able to say goodbye to her in her last weeks. You have proved over and over, however your relationship was previously, that you loved and protected her in her final years. That is all a mother wants, to know that her children love and respect her and will do all they can to give her a peaceful death... and that you did.. I send my condolences to you, that gap will be there forever, but unlike many you had her for so long.. when we do, it seems they will stay forever.. As an adult it is a chance to meet them on level ground and to learn about them apart from being your mother. I hope the grieving is soon over for she lives inside of you forever anyway.. You have been so strong with all that you have had to deal with and I hope now that you have laid her to rest, you will recover and feel good and take care of yourself and know that you have done so well for her.... Hugs from across the pond.. janzi
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