Last Breath

It is with a heavy heart that I write this post to let you all know that my dear mother passed away this morning at 6:40. Our prayers were heard in that it was a peaceful passing; there was no gurgling or gasping for air, her heart and her breathing just gradually slowed to a stop. She had her 3 children, beloved husband, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law and oldest grandson by her side as she took her last breath. Afterwards, her siblings and other family members and in-laws (and grandchildren) all surrounded with her love in her home. A close friend and clergyman from our church came over as soon as he heard the news and left our family with a sweet prayer as we all crammed into her bedroom by her bedside.

While I know that she is freed from her pain and suffering, and I know that she is having a beautiful reunion right now with her parents and other loved ones, we are all left broken hearted. This cruel disease took her from us way before her time. Her departure from us leaves a huge hole that can never be filled.

Thank you all for your prayers (I believe they did make a difference) and all of the thoughts and words of comforts. Thank you to those who came to visit with us this week and give my mom love before she left. Thank you for the dinners and the goodies left on the porch. We are blessed to have so many wonderful people in our lives to help us through our grief.

I will post an update as soon as we confirm funeral services (which will likely be done on Monday). I can say that we are aiming for the 11th or 12th of August, due to the fact that my cousin is getting married (in another state) next weekend and we don't want to take anything away from her special day. I will post an update as soon as we know so that friends and family members from out of town can make arrangements to be here to honor my mom.