donjr

Well-known Member
Woke up this morning at 6AM to a phone call. It was my BIL. "Your Mom is gone".

Not the way I expected the day to go. Mom has been slowly going downhill for two years, since she fell and broke her hip. She has been in an assisted living home since 2010, and while her mind has been good, her body of 98 years finally failed her this morning. She would have passed 99 years on the 24th, 2 days after Thanksgiving. She and Pop were married July 4, 1941, just before he reported for training duty for the National Guard. He was supposed to get out on December, 17, 1941, but was invited by his Uncle Sam to stay for a few more years. After building airbases in the South Atlantic, and Central Africa in 1942, he was reassigned to the North Africa campaign for a good part of 1943. Shot in the hand, he was sent home for OCS, then reassigned back to England, and landed on Omaha Beach on D+6 a few weeks later, now a 2nd Lt. After a run from France to Belgium and into Germany, he came back to the states and resumed his life here at home, living with Mom and her folks. He went back to work for Western Electric, but got a job at Edgewood Army Chemical Center (now part of Aberdeen Proving Ground) a couple of years later. He and Mom cut some big oaks on Grandpop's farm, cured them up on the barn floor, bought a lot about 2 miles away, and built a home in 1948. It was finished just after I was born, and I grew up there- or maybe I should say, between there and the farm just up the road. After having three of us, Mom went back to teaching part-time, and as we grew a bit older, fulltime. It was rough with her being a teacher where I went to elementary school- I couldn't get away with much. She later went to Belair, down the road about 12 miles, and a few years later to a black consolidated school to turn it into an integrated school, teaching third grade. She finally retired in the early eighties, and has been busy raising Grandkids for many years.

Dad passsed in 1986, and about 15 years ago, she moved down to my sister's house. About two years ago, she fell from bed, broke her hip and has never really walked since. We had to put her in a living assistance home, where she has had full time care from a good staff, and many older folks who she became fast friends with over the past two years. She has spent a couple of weeks in the hospital over the past two months, and was back at the senior home this morning. I was fortunate enough to have taken some time this past week to visit her for a couple of hours. She seemed weaker than usual this time, and in a way I have been thinking her time is near. I believe Jim and Carolyn have been thinking the same thing. Mom had written instructions for us, and when the call came this morning, I can't say it was unexpected. There was something in her voice on Tuesday that it was our last meeting. Today has been a whirlwind- down to the nursing home, conferences with the family, and the funeral home. Talking with the minister at our church, and her remaining friends. Calling extended family, and cleaning out her apartment at the nursing home. Then home, get feeding done, grab some clean clothes and a shower, and down to our Farm Bureau Banquet.

I just got home an hour ago, and the reality is finally setting in. We have planned a Memorial service at the church on her birthday on the 24th. My biggest regret is that she won't be able to celebrate it with us. Goodbye, Mom. I Love You, and will miss You.
 
Even when you know it is inevitable, one is never really ready for it. It just takes time. My condolences to you and your family, Lowell H.
 
donjr,
Sorry for your loss. It is never an easy thing. Sounds like your mom and day were great people - enjoy those memories.

My mom died a little over a year ago. I cried like a little girl. Never again in this life, is pretty permanent.
 
I am sorry for your loss. Dad fell and broke His hip several months ago and Mom stayed with us. It was a great privilege for us to pamper Her while She was here. They just don't make them like that anymore. You are in our prayers
Ron
 
Very sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. Your story goes to show what a special woman she was. Glad she got to be with you until 98, almost 99. Not many people get that many years with mom.
 
Sorry to hear of your loss. We went through that in 1970 when my dad, father-in-law and nephew died. My nephew was killed in Nam one day before his 23 birthday. He's buried at Arlington.

My wife's mom lived another 14 years and my mom another 24 years. She was the 2nd oldest of 13 children. Her baby sister just turned 85. My wife's oldest sister will turn 95 in Dec. I think she will out live her son as he's in poor health. Hal
 
Sorry to hear that. I am trying to get ready for my moms passing. 83 has cancer even though the doctors say they got it all. She is still losing weight and not doing well. Dad died in 2003,wife died in 2004. Been a rough few years.
 
Sorry for your loss, but now your Mom is with God....closer than she has ever been before. You don't have to worry one bit about her. And I'm sure you'll always have great memories of her.
 
My condolences, Don- A good life, well lived. She has earned her reward.

My folks were also married on July 4, 1941- His unit was marching in an Independence Day parade, and got passes for the rest of the day. He didn't know when he'd get another, so a hasty wedding ceremony was arranged. Dad spent most of the war in Alaska- Aleutians and Seward.

Oh, and I have a sister Carolyn as well.
 

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