A Mother
Simple, sincere people seldom speak much of their piety. It shows itself in acts rather than in words, and has more influence than homilies or protestations. Beth could not reason upon or explain the faith that gave her courage and patience to give up life, and cheerfully wait for death. Like a confiding child, she asked no questions, but left everything to God and nature, Father and Mother of us all, feeling sure that they, and they only, could teach and strengthen heart and spirit for this life and the life to come. She did not rebuke Jo with saintly speeches, only loved her better for her passionate affection, and clung more closely to the dear human love, from which our Father never means us to be weaned, but through which He draws us closer to Himself. She could not say, “I’m glad to go,” for life was very sweet for her. She could only sob out, “I try to be willing,” while she held fast to Jo, as the first bitter wave of this great sorrow broke over them together.
– Louisa May Alcott, Little Women
Little Women was my Mother’s favorite book. On Saturday evening, after a four month long illness, my Mother died peacefully. She was exactly one month shy of her 66th birthday. She was a wonderful Mother, a caring wife, a fantastic grandmother, a good friend, an award winning quilter and a life-long reader. She faced death with a dignity very much like that of Beth March in Little Women, and, even though it was hard for me to say goodbye, I am so happy that she is finally at peace.
I will be taking a week long blogging hiatus while we prepare for my Mother’s funeral. Even though originally I was going to post about my giveaway of the book Nefertiti this week, I am postponing it until next Monday, June 30th.
Peace.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Your mother sounds like a truly wonderful woman. I’ll be thinking of you this week …
Blessings to you and your family during this hard, time.
Stephanie – my thoughts are with you and your family
So sorry to hear about your loss. Best wishes for you and your family.
I’m very sorry about your mother! My thoughts are with you and your family.
Stephanie, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Sorry for your loss. Wishing you and your family comfort and peace during this most difficult time.
I am sorry for your loss. I have heard that “Lifetimes” by Bryan Mellonie is a great book for explaining death to young children (I have not yet read it myself).
I will always remember how your mom took us to the Aerosmith concert when we couldn’t get anyone else to drive us and then sat with us the whole concert instead of going to the parent room. She was always up for driving us everywhere. Then there was the time we were broken down in New Smyrna Beach, Fl (where about the only thing they have is an abundance of fire ants) and she arranged our rescue from NJ. I know your mom was so proud of your artistic ability and even prouder when you found Joe and made her a grandmother. I have a lot of great memories of her and your parents always treated me like a second daughter. Please tell your dad I send my love.
So sorry for your loss, Stephanie.
I’m so sorry Stephanie.
Your mother sounds like a remarkable woman. Thank you for sharing with us. I can only imagine the loss you are feeling. You and all her loved ones are in my thoughts.
I’m sorry for your loss. Take care of yourself and your family during this time.
My condolences are being sent your way. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Stephanie, I hope you and your loved ones find peace and comfort as you remember your mother this week.
I am so sorry for your loss, Stephanie.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Stephanie.
Stephanie, we’ll miss you this week. You and your family will be in my thoughts.
Your mom was one of the nicest people I have ever met. My thoughts are with you & your family during this difficult time.
I am so very sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my thoughts.
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you this week.
Condolences on your loss, Stephanie. May her memory be for a blessing.
So sorry about your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family
I’m sorry, Stephanie, and I’ll be thinking about you this week.
Bless your heart. I’ll be thinking of you. My dad died Jan 5th after a 6 month fight with cancer. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Stephanie, there are no words for this except I’m so sorry. I will be thinking of you and your family as you prepare for your mother’s funeral. Peace to you.
Sending you my condolences. May the loving memories ease your pain.
I’m sorry.
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.
I am so sorry to hear about your mother. She sounds like she was a great mom and will be dearly missed. Big hugs to your and your family this week.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your family will be in my thoughts this week.
I am so sorry, my mother died on March 2, she had Alzheimer’s. I grieve with you.
My condolences. I wish your family well in this time of sadness. Strength in the face of death is a rare thing of beauty. I admire those able to face death head on without regret; I just hope we are all as fortunate when the time comes.
Take the week to breathe, remember, and honor her. We’ll all be thinking of you.
Great post and awesome picture. Isn’t this the mom we knew. I’ll bet if there are libraries in Heaven that that is where we will find her.
What a beautiful post, I hope your mom read it from Heaven.
Take care, I’m so sorry for your loss, your family will be in my prayers this week.
Oh Stephanie, I am so sorry.
It is obvious from how you spoke about your mom and by this post that the two of you were close.
I hope your good memories of your mom, and the times that you’ve spent together, carry you through this time.
I’ll be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Take care.
Stephanie,
I am so sorry for your loss. It’s so hard to comprehend unless you’ve lost a parent.
Your Mom sounded like a lovely woman and obviously you love her very much.
I’ll keep your family in my prayers.
JoAnn
Stephanie, you and your family are in my thoughts. Your mother gave you such a wonderful gift, in passing along her love of reading.
May your good memories of her comfort you during this time.
Words cannot express my sympathy for you! I am so sorry!
I am so sorry, Stephanie! I hope you have many many good memories of her to comfort you. I am thinking of you.
My heart goes out to you, Stephanie. I’m sure you gave your mother the one thing she wanted — a reason to be proud.
Please accept my deepest condolences. May you have the strength and courage during this difficult time. My prayers to you and your family.
I am sorry for your loss Stephanie. Your mom sounds like she was a terrific person. I will be thinking of you this week.
I’m sorry to hear of your loss. 66 is soooooo young!
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. We just had a funeral in the family too.
I’m so sorry Stephanie! Your mom was so young. Sounds like she was a wonderful woman!
You know I’ve just been through this twice in the past year, I’m willing to talk anytime. I’m thinking of you.
Oh Stephanie! My heart goes out to you and your family.
I’m very sorry for your loss.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Your tribute to your mother is beautiful. I think a love of books is a wonderful gift for a mother to give her daughter. Obviously, you’re passing on a beautiful family tradition.
Stephanie,
I’m so sorry for your loss. The love of books is such a beautiful legacy. You were fortunate to have a mother who passed on her joy of reading.
If you need someone to talk to or a listening ear, please feel free to email me at any time. I just lost my mother in April. Much love and hugs to you and yours.
Condolences on your loss, Stephanie. Your mom will be always in your heart.
My condolences… eHugs, -Care
Stephanie I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for you and your family.
I am so, so sorry to hear about your mother, Stephanie. My deepest condolences for your loss.
I am so terribly sorry to read this sad news. Know that you are thought of with my deepest sympathies. Love, Les
Stephanie, I’m so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.
((hugs))
Stephanie, I’m so sorry to hear your sad news. Your mom sounds like she was a terrific person. Hugs to you and the girls. ((Stephanie))
My condolences.