All good things must come to an end!

I'm sorry to say that my mother passed away a few weeks ago. She had been ill and not herself for quite a few years, so it really was a blessing....as the saying goes. I also always heard that you never really grow up until you lose your mother and I have encountered a bit of that myself in the past few weeks. I was never the strong or "tough one" in the family, but have had to take on some new roles recently. I wrote my mother's eulogy and spoke at her memorial service, something I detest even under the best of circumstances. I think she would have been proud of me.

As with all funerals, there were tears, hugs, flowers, kind words and even some laughter. There were also lots of memories, pictures and seeing old relatives. I made lots of phone calls for my dad...even had to track down a great aunt, with whom we had lost touch. Thanks to the magic of the computer and internet, I was able to find several of her nieces. I discovered that sweet Aunt Gene celebrated her 99th birthday in September and is still going strong, although she is living in a nursing home now after recent hip replacement surgery.

Chris and I had lived in the Midwest for about 20 years, so had not been able to attend some of the more recent events of some relatives. It was a great joy to see one of my favorite cousins who I had not seen for 19 years. It was also wonderful to visit with my aunt and uncle I had not seen in quite a while. There were also the old family friends I had missed for probably 25 years. I also enjoyed phone calls from people with whom I had lost touch. Another old favorite saying, "Nothing like weddings and funerals to bring out the folks", also appeared to be true here.

Now begins the difficult task of helping my father in any way I can. I have comforted him, written all his thank you notes, tried to console him, shared his heartbreak and just listened as he expressed his sorrow and grief. We have also begun finding him a senior living facility and planned for his moving and then finally arranged for cleaning out their home of 47 years. Our children are coming in from the West Coast to help with that final stage.....they are wonderful planners, organizers, cleaners and just plain old doers.

I treasure so many memories of my mother. If I do say so myself, she did a great job of raising me and my siblings. She was also a wonderful grandmother to our daughters and her other grandchildren. She always had a special area for their toys and books. She was very patient and made time for each and every one of them and their special events in life. She also loved spending time with her friends, some of whom she had known since elementary school growing up in San Antonio. But of course it is her beloved husband of 65 years, my father who will truly miss her the most.

Check back soon. I promise to keep you posted on our progress of moving my father out and of helping him adjust to life after "A".

Jan