Mom is Gone

Earlier Today I left the following Facebook Post

--------------

My Mothers battle with cancer ended last night. All who knew her are fortunate, those who were her family are blessed.

When I left her house yesterday afternoon, I kissed her and told her I Loved Her. She smiled, to weak to speak she mouthed the words, "I Love You Michael". Another gift to me after a lifetime of them.

---------------

For me Facebook is a way to keep friend and family informed but is not the proper venue for much more then that. 

I did not go into the "Nitty Gritty" of the last two weeks and I have no intent to do so here. Yet I am compelled to write more then just a Death Notice.

One of my strengths is that I am a good observer, this helps me when it comes to photography but not in to dealing with the "Nitty Gritty" of life. Birth is messy, death can be horrific. 

As an observer I watched my youngest sister who can be one "Tough Cookie"
provide the most passionate and loving care that any human being could give to another. She did everything for Mom, especially after death's door stole Mom's strength and ability to do for herself. This was an ordeal, not days rather weeks. 
I may be able to run fifty miles or more but I never could have done this.

As an observer I watched her daughter show the same kindness and perserverence. 

As an observer I watched my brother make my Mom  comfortable with his massages, gentle touches and kisses on the cheek.

As an observer I watched the entire family rally to the cause, as all families should. Of course in times of such extreme duress nothing flies straight so there are wounds to heal. It will take time but I believe they will be healed since it has always been my Mother's wish that our family stay a family. 

Times ahead will be difficult, my Father may make sure of that but I will do my best. I made that promise to my Mother. 

This morning was cold and overcast, snow lay on the ground and I felt there was no air to breath. I put on "Puff Daddy" (My Arctic Parka) and went for a walk. The snow crunched under my feet, the cold air tickled my face while "Puff Daddy" kept me warm and comfortable. Much like the hugs I got from Mother when I was Young..... It was a good walk.

Mike