Wednesday, May 16, 2012

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.

18 comments:

  1. Dear Karen
    What a beautiful, beautiful tribute you have written for a woman who so clearly meant the world to you. How wonderful that you were raised by such a lady! And what peace it must bring you to know that your mum was surrounded by those who loved her so much at the end - and that her last day was a day filled with an abundance of love.
    Just so you know - I was awoken far earlier than usual today and was led to read your post. Know that God has his hand on you and that he has sent a stranger to pray especially for you at this time.
    Your card is gorgeous and I'm sure your mum would have delighted in it.
    With continued thoughts and prayers,
    Kate (FCCB) xox

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  2. Words are hard to find as I read your post. What a blessing your mother was to you and all the family. I am so sorry for your loss. If it gives just a little bit of comfort, your mother was surrounded by those that love her. God bless you and your family during this difficult time.
    Carolyn
    http://cccscraproom.blogspot.com

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  3. I'm so very, very sorry for your loss. Your love for your mother is undeniable--she sounds like an amazing woman. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Hugs,
    Sonya

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  4. Hi Karen, every since you told me about what happened to your mother on Mother's day, my heart has been so heavy....I am so sorry and am keeping you and the family in my prayers...Heaven truly has another beautiful person there.......your card is beautiful...I love it...hugs

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  5. Hello Karen! I am so very sorry to hear what happened. You card is beautiful and is a great tribute to your Mom!

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  6. I'm very sorry for your loss. It sounds like you have had a very blessed life with your mother and are very lucky to have those memories to hold on too!

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  7. Oh Karen, my heart aches for you. I am so sorry for your loss. We all know that one day we will lose a parent, but that knowledge does not prepare us for the hurt that comes along with that loss. I am happy for you that you were able to be there with you Mom. I sat beside my Daddy 5 years ago, holding his hand as he took his last breath. As hard as it was to let go, it was such a blessing to be with him as he left this life and entered his eternal life. Hang on to all those wonderful memories you have of your Mom, she sounds like she was really a wonderful lady.

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  8. Karen, I wanted to stop by and say how lovely your card is for your Mother and so sorry to hear of her sudden passing. My prayers are with you and your family during this unimaginable, difficult time.

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  9. Beautiful card!! I am sorry for your loss!! You are in my prayers!

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  10. Hi Karen, in the short time I have known you at Colourful Creations I can tell you have a lovely attitude to life - as your mother had....My thoughts are with you and your family during your time of sorrow....your card and tribute is wonderful and I am sure she will be remembered in your heart forever!

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  11. I'm so very sorry for your loss. You write so beautifully about your mother. You and your family are in my prayers.

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  12. Oh My..... this is awesome, the color combois stunning..

    Hugs
    Penny

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  13. I am truly sorry for your loss, I lost my Mom in June of 2001 and I still miss her today like it was yesterday, I pray that you and your family will find Gods peace in the days ahead...

    HUGS
    Penny

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  14. Praying for you and your family. You have written such a beautiful tribute. May God bless you and wrap you in His loving arms of peace and comfort, and may your mom's legacy of love and strength live on in you.

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  15. Karen,
    I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Mother. Your card for her was beautiful, and I know she loved it! I lost my Mom almost 5 years ago, so I know the loss you are feeling. May God bless you with a quiet peace and comfort you in your loss. Your tribute to your Mom was very touching.
    A friend in PA, Linda

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  16. Karen~
    What a beautiful card and creation as a tribute to your mother. I am so very sorry to hear of your loss! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time! I know she LOVED your beautiful card and all the love that went into this.
    Thanks for sharing
    Hugs~
    Jessica

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  17. Oh Karen, I just read this and the tears are flowing. I am so sorry for your loss, how tragic this must have been for you and your family yet so good for your mom to have you by her side. An amazing tribute to your mom....my thoughts are with you :)

    Hugs,
    Mary (fussy and fancy DT member)

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  18. Hi Karen
    I am so very sorry to hear about your dear mother. I'm sure that most of us can only imagine what you and your family must be going through. Please let us know if there is anything that you need.
    Sending big warm hugs across the miles,
    Sheryl

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