A tribute to my mother

It is with great sadness that I write this post, as my card sharing this evening was the card I made for my mother and for The Cutting Cafe Design Team inspiration this week using the Beautiful Rose.

Mother's Day, a day of celebrating our mothers and expressing our gratitude and love, turned into a day of loss and mourning for my family.  My mother suddenly and unexpectedly passed away that afternoon.   My family is still in disbelief, grieving and trying to cope with all that needs to be accomplished this week. These are the last picture of my mother that one sister took earlier in the afternoon.

My husband and I planned to meet my three sisters at our parents home on Sunday for a double celebration with our mother.  Our brother was unable to make it.  She had just turned 73 on Thursday, so we planned to celebrate both her birthday and mothers day Sunday afternoon. She had complained of some back pain that started the night before, but didn't seem too serious at the time.  She was so delighted with my handmade card, the gifts from my sisters.  She modeled a new outfit she received from one sister, and commented several times how wonderful it was that we were there.

As I was preparing lunch for everyone, my gift to her, my mother suddenly became ill, had severe pain in her abdomen, then quickly unresponsive.  I called 911, as my husband and two of my sisters got her onto the floor, I passed the phone to one sister and began CPR until Paramedics arrived.   My mother arrived at the hospital without a pulse and never regained consciousnesses.  She passed within two hours due to an abdominal aneurysm that had ruptured.

My mother was a tiny women, but had such strength when dealing with what life threw her way.  Growing up, our home was always filled with love and laughter.  Our house was the house in the neighborhood where friends always hang out.  Even though our family included our parents and 5 children, there was always room to feed one more.  Her family and friends meant everything to her.

My mother was a kind, giving and thoughtful person.  Ready with a smile and helping hand. She had taught each of us to stand up for what we believe, lend a helping hand and love each other no matter what.

I will miss her silliness, her smile, her advise, her warm hugs and her voice.  I feel blessed to have been there when she needed me, to give her CPR, to hold her hand and comfort her.  She left us too soon, but she was so happy and she was surrounded by her four daughters and my daddy beside her.

My oldest sister shared the following verse, which was on my mothers calender for Sunday, May 13, 2012

Proverbs 31:25-31
25She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs with no fear of the future. 26 When she speaks, her words are wise, and kindness is the rule when she gives instructions. 27 She carefully watches all that goes on in her household and does not have to bear the consequences of laziness. 28 Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: 29 "There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!" 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised. 31 Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.


Thank you for stopping by today and for letting me have a chance to write a tribute to my mother. I love her, I miss her and may she rest in peace.