Thursday, February 16, 2012

The Unexpected Journey...

One month ago today, I got a call that has changed my life and the lives of my family. My sister called to tell me that my beautiful, healthy, kind, vibrant, elegant mother had a massive stroke and would not live..Now, I had been through this 3 years ago with my sweet step mother and it was such a shock. This time was no different, my mom had been this healthy woman, whom at almost 73 did not look a day over 60. She did not drink, smoke and she exercised daily as a Yoga instructor and as a student of Yoga. It threw me and my entire family into shock and horror to lose this special person in our lives.

I was blessed to have been able to fly with my cousin to be there with my step dad, and siblings to be by my mom's side when she passed the next day. I will never regret the opportunity to hold her hand, kiss her face, and tell her how much I loved her, tell her how special a mom she was to me and finally say goodbye. It was so difficult, but the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. She truly looked gorgeous when she passed away.

Now, a month later, I still miss her and long for those daily calls to her, but I also feel grateful that she will never know the angst of growing old, never see the lines of age in her face, and never lose that beautiful smile that lit up a room. How blessed she was to have God take her up in the prime of her life, still full of her love for life, still thankful for every day. She will never fear what old age will do to her mind and body, never suffer a long grueling illness. For all these things, I thank God.


                                                When I come to the end of the road,
                                                       and the sun has set for me.
                                                I want no rites in a gloom-filled room.
                                                      Why cry for a soul set free?
                                                  Miss me a little—but not too long,
                                                 and not with your head bowed low.
                                             Remember the love that was once shared.
                                                          Miss me, but let me go.

                                 For this is a journey we all must take, and each must go alone.
                                  It’s all a part of the master’s plan, a step on the road to home.
                               When you are lonely and sick of heart, go to the friends we know.
                                        Bear your sorrow in good deeds. Miss me, but let me go



I want to finish this by saying, today, I am without my mother, but I will never be without the memories or pictures that shaped my life. I will always have her brown eyes and I will always remember the words she repeated to me so many times when I was sad or angry. "Acknowledge it and let it go, Krissy". So today,  I will feel sad, but tomorrow I will let it go and live my life. I will try to learn from her example and will hope to pass these lessons onto my own children. 

"Mom, I will see you again one day soon, and I can't wait for you to welcome me with open arms". I love you..

6 comments:

  1. A beautiful post, Kris! I pray God will comfort you while you are in such sorrow. I do understand your grief. I lost my mother, my best friend, 29 years ago. I still miss her too.

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  2. I am sorry for your sorrow Kris. You have been so faithful in your storms of life. Praying for you sweet Kris.

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  3. Kris..you have a beautiful gift of photography AND writing! Rob and I miss her too! Saying prayers for you today!

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  4. Dear Kris,
    So Sorry For you...
    Hardly No Word of Comfort can be Given
    God Comforts though and I agree with lisa, your photos and writings are the best!
    You have been so ............ Strong and Faitheful in the last few month,
    HANG IN THERE GAL
    BRIGHTER DAYS ARE COMING!
    love you much
    Cindy!~

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  5. thank you so much for your prayers..thank you for your sweet words...

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  6. Kris....... I know that your mom is no longer here in body but I know that she is ever with you and ever shall be.

    George

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About Me

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My name is Kris. I am a wife, a mom to six, a photographer, a reader, a Christian, a Diet Coke drinker, a closet ice cream eater, a walker and a memory keeper.. Thanks for coming by to say hi, I can't wait to get to know you :)

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