My daughter's m-i-l passed away yesterday
Last edited Fri Feb 13, 2026, 11:00 AM - Edit history (1)
We were friends. We respected each other and the marriage of our children. My friend endured a lot. I'm glad that we shared a tranquil extended family. She developed health problems after gall bladder surgery, and after a year of treatment, ran out of options. She and her husband live an hour from us, and our kids live 6 hours from both. We met up during Christmas of '24. I didn't get to see her this last year. She and her husband had numerous medical appointments, and other things interfered. We stayed in touch on the phone, on Facebook, and texts. We even used snail mail.
We had warning that she was nearing the end of her fight, and she was ready to go on. It doesn't make it easier. That she suffered before her death, and her death was premature is painful. That another friend is gone is heartache. That I am the last Mom, the last mother-in-law is scary. Each of us will miss her in different ways. And I hope we will all help each other come to terms with our grief.
Right after my daughter called me with the news, I heard honking. The day before, I saw about 30 geese fly over my house in 4 groups. They were honking, maybe to keep the groups in touch and on track. So I thought I'd see them again. But no. When I stepped out the door, there was a single goose flying north over the trees. My daughter is on her way to her parents'-in-law home today. We were having a quick (hands free) talk and toward the end of the conversation, she exclaimed, "I'm watching a bald eagle fly over!" For me, seeing the birds are signs from my friend. Stay together. Be strong.
We will.
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Healing vibes on the way to you & your daughter & her MILs loved ones. 
