Finished
I think I will have to take my Dad's approach and just say this simply: Mom passed away at 7pm last night. Ever the captain of her ship, I think she tried to time it (if such things are even possible) so that she wouldn't go on my birthday on Tuesday, or my parents' anniversary, which is today. That would be typically protective of her.
I'm not sure what to say about how I'm feeling at the moment; last night it was mostly a sense of relief after I got off the phone. She waited almost exactly three weeks from the day she decided to stop further treatments, and while we certainly had some great time together in that period, she was clearly ready to go, and truth be told, getting a bit impatient about it.
So today I'm alternately heartbroken, numb, full of memories, and gearing up for what is now my biggest task: becoming fully the person she's always told me I can be. I'm now 39 (happy birthday to me), and it's time to stop farting around with whatever artistic and social ambitions I may have. If this experience has taught me anything it's that you can't take time for granted.
R.I.F. (Rest in Fabulousness)
Linda Nuckols Gunby
December 19, 1940 – June 28, 2006
Comments
Carol, I'm so sorry for your loss. I can't imagine how you must be feeling. I hope the coming days will bring you peace and the energy and inspiration to move forward.
Joan Rough
Posted by: jzrart | June 29, 2006 12:44 PM
it sounds like you are doing pretty good, considering. i'm so glad that you got to spend so much time with her at the end. she clearly has been a major force in your life and will be missed. i hope you get to take a bit more time, to grieve and to prep for your revitalization.
big hugs.
Posted by: heather | June 29, 2006 03:08 PM
Oh Carol. I'm sorry to hear this news but it sounds like you and your mom had a wonderful life together including and especially the last 6 weeks.
We're here for whatever you need, just say the word or pick up the phone.
Posted by: Liz, Andrea and Val | June 30, 2006 12:05 PM
she sounds like a wonderful person, and you guys had a great relationship. thanks for sharing her with us.
Posted by: andrea | June 30, 2006 12:09 PM
What a lovely tribute to your mom - it sounds like she was full of love until the very end. I'm sending healing thoughts your way as you face this loss.
Posted by: Kai | June 30, 2006 02:48 PM
She was a wonderful person, Carol, but so are you. THAT's the torch that you are to carry forward. It's so hard to let go of the one person who has been an anchor of our lives for so long. But the ship must sail. She has launched us all. She gave so much to so many. You may never know the extent of her touch... but we have to let her love be the wind in our sails. She showed us how. Reach out ...touch...love...care. There are still lots of us behind who care for you, too. Be well. Janet
Posted by: Janet Freiland | July 1, 2006 03:35 PM
Your mother was one year and three days older than I. Suddenly I am in touch with my mortality.
May God hold you in the palm of his hand in this time.
Grace and peace.
Posted by: Questing Parson | July 3, 2006 09:33 PM
She has a lovely smile.
I'm thinking of you. I hope to still see you at Girls Night Out. Hugs your way.
Posted by: Kim | July 4, 2006 01:13 PM