20 February 2012

In Loving Memory of my Mom:

"Sweet Sixteen - 1949"
             August 12, 1933 - February 7, 2012                   

If I could write a story, it would be the greatest ever told, of a kind and loving Mother who had a heart of gold. If I could write a million pages, it would tell of moments shared, immortal strength, courage, wisdom and care. But tomorrow will start without you, without the pages filled. And every time I think of you MotherI will know you are now my Guardian Angel and thankful to have been blessed that God chose you to be my Mother.  (Written by Sandy  ~ 2/7/2012)
1936
These pictures were found as we struggled to put together a collage for the visitation.  There are many, many of Mother growing up.  We (my sibblings) had not seen these photos previously and, I suppose, did not realize how often photos were taken in the 1930's.

We also found many journals Mother wrote over the years.  There were letters, one to the six of us children in December 1982 about the difficulty we would all face during the holidays, it was the first Christmas without my Dad.  Mother wrote the letter but never gave it to any of us!  How special this letter is today! 

There was another letter, a letter to everyone titled "My Life of Many Titles".  We chose to use this as her message to all that grieved, no one could have said it any better.

My Life of Many Titles
I was  daughter, granddaughter, niece and cousin all in one day just for being born.  Then came another title called sister.  The next title that came was wife, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law  and aunt, then came the most precious of all “Mother”.   The next was mother-in-law and after that godmother and grandmother.  Then came a title called step-mother along with step-grandmother. I want to add one more before I die and that is Great-Grandmother.  (I did 11/11/06!)  So you see,  I have been a very wealthy woman in my lifetime.  I have had a very “rich life”.

I was also called “friend” and I was able to be a friend to so many.  Thank you all for being there when I needed you so much.  You each one know who you are.

Thank you each and every one for this honor and to God for allowing me to live long enough to earn these titles.  Please don’t be sad for me today, I have had a great life here on earth in just knowing you each and every one.   Smile and be happy, and go on with your life and earn your titles until we meet again!

We will all be together again in God’s Kingdom and I will be waiting for you with open arms of welcome.
I love you,
Doris Jean

HISTORY: Mother was diagnosed with lung cancer in the summer of 2009. She was advised by her physician she was not a candidate for chemo or radiation but she could have surgery. He went on to explain that without the surgery she would die a quick and painful death. After the surgery we were assured all the cancer was removed, however, "it would return." It did, in the spring of 2010. (The prognosis was poor, six months, Mother chose not to know this!) Mother survived another 18 months but not without pain, not without oxygen 24/7 but she did it with the utmost dignity and grace. She forced herself to get up every day, dress as though she were going to have company or go out for the day. Not one day did she complain of her fate, she accepted it like no other. Mother never wanted to be (in her words) a burden to any of her six children and remained as active as possible in her home until the end. Her Hosparus team was extraordinary and to Mother, they become her extended family (as did many, many others throughout her life.) Her independence, strength and determination never allowed her to be bedridden. She did it "her way" with dignity and grace.

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