A Solemn Announcement

[CDAgirlMI 51]

Sorry for your loss.

[trailmix 77]

To The Wonderful People of Visa Journey,

It is with a very heavy heart and the deepest sorrow that I announce the passing of my beloved mother. Mom was taken from us on the night of Friday, December 4. As you some of you may be aware, I was very close to my mother and was her sole caregiver in the last few years of her life. Taking care of Mom was an adventure but it is something that I wore and will always wear like a badge of honor. With the loss of my mother, I'm trying to keep myself busy or otherwise take my focus off my grief but it is becoming increasingly difficult as my numbness from the sock of losing her wears off. It is still very hard to believe that Mom is gone; sometimes I'll see something or do something that reminds me of her. I catch myself repeating over and over, "Mom would like that," or "I'd better go check on Mom." If I watch certain television programs or pick a flower from the hibiscus in the house, I'm immediately reminded of Mom and tears ensue. Mom was my greatest defender, my most ardent supporter, my role model, my strength and my hero.

When my Grandmother died a few years ago, I was devastated and it shattered Mom's constitution. She was never the same, nor was I. Now that Mom has passed I fear that I may suffer the same fate. I am attempting to carry on as best I can but this will be a very difficult year for me as I will learn what it means to be a motherless child. I promise to do my best to post on VJ from time to time, even it is without the same élan that I once did. I hope that you will forgive me for my shortcoming and though my tears are not yet brewed, I will never have a surfeit of gratitude for all the decent and caring people of Visa Journey who have expressed their condolences in the most eloquent and empathetic language possible. My sincerest and most heartfelt thanks go out to all of you. I truly appreciate all your kind sentiments, understanding and humor, they helped me more than you will know and will continue to help me through the course of my grieving.

Thank you for your time,

Mumsie

IR5, this is so very sad. It will, no doubt, continue to hurt for some time. In time some of that pain will hopefully start to ease for you. Try to think back to happier times and smile.

I wish you joy.

[Flames9_RN 358]

Extremely sorry for ur loss!!

[Twisted K 2]

[J&K 0]

I'm so sorry for your loss

[Jasman0717 8]

Claudeth and I were sadden and deeply for you and your family. My God bless her soul

[Kathryn41 3,205]

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((Mumsie)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

I am so very sorry for your loss.

If I may offer this following consolation? My mother died nearly 7 years ago, unexpectedly, after a brief illness. There is an empty place inside me that can never be filled, but the memories of all we shared still live there and nothing can take those away. Each year that goes by, the sense of loss becomes gentler and the memories more consoling. There are still times I wish I could just talk things over with her like I always did, and at those times l I feel her loss more strongly, but now the memories of 'Mom would like this' don't have the ragged edges anymore. I do talk with her as I go through my day; I tell her how I am feeling and what is happening. Even though she isn't here, still I can share my life with her. You can too. Her body is gone but her spirit still 'lives'. Mourn now for her passing and your loss, but please know that time will help the healing. You will never forget nor lose the sense of loss, but one day, it won't hurt so much anymore. One day, you will realize that the loving presence of her memory no longer has the pain, only the love - and nothing can ever take that away from you. Please know you are in my loving thoughts and prayers.

Edited January 11, 2010 by Kathryn41

[Team J and B 2]

I'm sorry for your loss...

Please take good care of you, you.

[Wis-Can 0]

Sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are prayers are with you. Take care.

[Leafgal 3]

Very sorry for your loss. Take care of yourself.

[OBX 51]

My deepest sympathies on your loss.

[Sam and Ben 2]

MY condolences. (((hug)))

[Allie 5]

So sorry for your loss

[Dan and Ali 3]

Sorry for your loss

[MrsCat 6]

My sincerest condolences Mumsie.