On the Anniversary of Mom’s Death

By Linda G. on November 26, 2012

In ever loving memory of Mom

God made the perfect mother,
Compassionate and kind;
With more love and affection,
Than you could hope to find;
He gave this lovely lady,
A heart of solid gold,
And after God had finished,
He must have broken the mould.

Mom lost her fight to Alzheimer’s Disease the Monday after Thanksgiving five years ago.   The date of Mom’s death was the same day as today, November 26.  Five years ago Bob and I had spent the Thanksgiving Day holiday with Bob’s sister and our brother-in-law at their home in New Hampshire.   We returned home on Sunday, November 25.  I received the call early Monday morning that Mom had passed away.  I can still feel the anguish, today, that I felt on that day.

I’ve always heard that angels in Heaven can look down on people on Earth.  I hope that is true, Mom, so that you can see how much your family has grown since your death.

Mom, in August 2008, you were blessed with a second great grandchild.  Your great granddaughter’s name is Anna.  Your great grandson, Kaleb, is now 7 years old; Anna is 4 years old.  Kaleb is autistic. We are so proud of his achievements.  Kaleb interacts well among people and is doing very well in school.  I have photographs of you holding Kaleb, when he was a baby.  I am happy that you lived to see the birth of your first great grandson.  Anna is a lively girl.  Anna was diagnosed with Lyme’s Disease a couple years ago.  The disease reappeared in the form of Lyme’s Arthritis.  Please keep special watch over Kaleb and Anna, Mom.  I pray that Kaleb continues to do well in life and that Lyme’s Disease does not curtail Anna’s activities throughout her life.

In October 2011 your youngest granddaughter got married, Mom.

In December 2011 you were blessed with a second great granddaughter, Mom.  Her name is Elise.  Sometimes when I look into Elise’s eyes, I see your eyes.

 

Elise has grown so much since I took this photograph, Mom.  It is hard to believe that she will be a year old in one month+one day.  Your granddaughter, Emily, recently celebrated her first wedding anniversary.  Emily, Dan and Elise are a lovely family aren’t they Mom?  It is hard to believe, isn’t it Mom, that your youngest granddaughter is married and has a baby of her own.

Mom, you always wanted me to marry and have children.  Well I certainly did get married, Mom.  You would  say to me that you didn’t mean that I was to get married three times.  One time would have been enough.  You would tell me that I should have skipped marrying my first two husbands and just waited for Bob to come along.  I don’t know if fate would have led me to Bob, Mom, if I hadn’t followed my life’s path.   I believe you would agree with me.

So, Mom, I am married and I have a child just as you always wanted.  I am so very thankful that you lived to welcome Bob and Stacey into my life.  I am even more thankful that Bob and Stacey met you.  I know, Mom, that you loved Stacey as a granddaughter, not as a step-granddaughter.  In September 2011, Mom, your oldest granddaughter got married.

I wish you could have been there, Mom.  Stacey’s wedding was held, outdoors, in the most beautiful setting.  Your granddaughter, my daughter, was the loveliest of brides.  Standing proudly at her side, Mike made a very handsome groom.

In May 2012, Mom, I became a grandma.  You never thought it would happen, did you?  You have two more great-granddaughters, Mom…TWIN granddaughters.  Oh boy, just now, your face appeared before me.  I saw the look of delight in your eyes, a look that just lit up your face at the mention of twin great granddaughters.  Oh, how happy you would have been.  I wish you could have been here when Harper and June were born.  Those two girls complete my life, Mom.  You will know what I mean.  Harper and June have brought so much joy and happiness to my life.  Sometimes the love I feel for those two little girls makes my heart feel as though it is breaking.

Your granddaughter, Stacey, recently celebrated her first wedding anniversary.  I took this family portrait a few days ago.  The twins were 6 months old.  Both Stacey and Mike are wonderful parents.   The four of them make a lovely family, and I am proud that they are my family!

Jared was the last of your grandchildren to get married, Mom.  Jared and Sara got married in July 2012.

If it is true, as I wrote earlier, that angels in Heaven can look down on people on Earth, you would have witnessed a wedding ceremony centered clearly around Jared and Sara’s belief in God.

It might be a while before Jared and Sara bless you with another great grandchild.  You might have heard that Jared and Sara plan to wait two years before having any children.

Mom, you would be so proud of the men and women that your grandchildren have become.  You would be proud of the lives that they lead and how well they care for and love your great grandchildren.  You have five great grandchildren, Mom.  Imagine that!  You would be so very happy of how well our entire family, both immediate and extended, get along with each other.  We have such a wonderful life, Mom.  My only heartache is that you and Dad are not here to share it with us.