One year ago today (March 7, 2006)

[RevCheesehead]

I was awake at 4 am, unable to sleep. The phone rang at 4:30, and it was a nurse calling, telling me that my Mom passed away in her sleep. In an instant, my blood turned to ice, and I heard my voice screaming "NO!". The rest of me was numb. I hoped and prayed that this was all a bad dream - that I would wake up, shaken, but assured that this wasn't happening.

This was a day I feared for the last several years. I didn't know how I could survive without my Mom. Living without a spouse or family of my own, I came to depend on Mom for so many things. Someone to listen and really hear me. Someone who loved me unconditionally, and often told me to believe in myself. She reminded me, in my darkest times, that I was a far more effective pastor than I'd ever realize. "Remember, you're probably reaching more people than you think you do." When I celebrated the joys of life, she was there. And when I carried the burdens of the world, she reminded me to turn them over to God. And when I hurt - whether physically, or emotionally, she cried with me. Her hugs could cure any pain in the world. Her smile was contagious. She always had a kind word to say about everyone, and those who met her fell in love with her joy of life.

Mommy, I miss you.
Thank you for all you have given me. You live within me, not just in my heart, but in my life. I carry you with me every day, and realize that I would not be the person I am today without you.

Thank you, God, for giving me the most precious gift of all.

[pecwae]

1. ((((Rev))))

You honor your precious Mother with your words and your life. Your pain is difficult to imagine and I hear it so clearly. I also hear strong, enduring, life altering love and respect that nothing can ever change.

I, too, walk a path of loss and will walk beside you along the way.

Many :hug: :hug: :hug:

[RevCheesehead]

4. Thank you, pecwae.

I really appreciate your words.
I know you walk this path as well. May we be fortunate enough to draw strength from one another. :hug:

[CC]

2. Not much I can

say to help beyond to offer you lots of :hug:s. Take time to take care of yourself today. Sending prayers of healing and support to not only you, but your dad and the rest of the family.

[RevCheesehead]

5. Dear Ferrettessa!

I love you, my friend! :hug::hug::hug:

[flamingyouth]

3. ((Rev))

The first anniversary is very hard. I am thinking of you today. :hug:

[RevCheesehead]

6. Thanks so much, flamingyouth.

I really appreciate your words, and especially the hug. :hug:

[merh]

7. cyber hugs to you dear friend

:hug: :hug: :hug:

You do your mother proud.

:loveya:

[RevCheesehead]

8. Sweetie!!

:hug::hug::hug:

Thank you so much for remembering me. You are one of the people who helped nurture me through this loss last year. I am forever in thanks for that.

[merh]

9. and you have been there for me, I'll be forever grateful as well

:hug: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhaF34Pyt9w :hug:

:loveya:

[yellerpup]

10. My heartfelt condolences, Rev.

Your Mom sounds like a really loving person and your wonderful tribute to her, I'm sure, would make her proud. I'm sorry for your loss and lonliness today. I will remember you with love. :hug:


Edit for spelling

[WestHoustonDem]

11. Rev

You were there for me last year when my dad died. All I can do is offer you a great big :hug: and say thank you.

[auntAgonist]

12. Rev, it doesn't seem like it was a year ago ...

I remember thinking that when the 1st anniversary of my Mother's death came along. It only seemed like yesterday. Today and always, I pray the memories of your dear Mother fill your heart with joy and love and squeeze out the pain and loneliness that I'm sure you feel for having lost her. I hope you and your Dad share some laughs, some hugs and some tears of cleansing together. As long as you have your memories she will live on in your hearts.

:hug:

kesha.

[we can do it]

13. Sorry This Is Late, But I Am Keeping You In My Prayers

I know how much I miss my mom, so I really feel for others dealing with the same thing. Those of who were blessed with super moms feel it the most I think - but we are also the luckiest people with memories of the great love our moms gave us.

:hug: