Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Mother, I Need You!

Time passes quickly in life. Too quickly. My mother has been gone for over 4 years now. But your mother is always your mother! Sometimes it is only she who can provide the comfort that comes from being sick, feeling afraid, and experiencing heartbreak. Only she can dry your tears, rock you in her arms, hug you, and whisper in your ear that everything will be ok. It doesn't matter how old you are, or if your mother is here or not, sometimes you just need her. And no one else. 

That has been the case with me lately. Since my mother's passing, I have lost a daughter and a son, as well. Stress and illness have taken a toll on me. I long and yearn for my mother's comfort and hugs. My father was always a strength with wise words of wisdom, but mother always knew how to console and comfort. A gentle touch of her loving hand on mine let me know I could make it through this, too. In my deepest and darkest hours, I want to cry out... "mother I need you!" Even though I can't hear her, I often feel her near. And my memory takes me back home. Back home to mother, when I was young.

Like most children, sometimes I stayed home from school from an illness (real or not), and mother always made our day together special. She nursed me, pampered me, and covered me up in blankets as I lie on the sofa. She often put the back of her hand across my forehead to check for a rising temperature. Oh... how she cared for me! I felt loved. It was only her and I! Being home with mom on a school day with no one else was the best treat ever. And, she made the best lunch ever! Tuna fish and pickle sandwiches on toasted bread, smothered with butter. Home bottled peaches or pears were the perfect accompaniment. Sometimes she would surprise me with potato chips and a banana. 

Now that I can't call my mother and hear her soothing words and feel her comforting arms around me, I make myself a toasted tuna fish and pickle sandwich and open a bottle of homemade pears or peaches. It brings me comfort. It takes me back home where I feel wrapped in the arms of her love. Oh... how I love and miss my mother!

Monday, December 28, 2015

The Perfect Mother

An Angel kissed my cheek today,
He said "I love you Mom, I'm ok." 
At first I thought I was dreaming,
Until I saw a bright light beaming.
I heard him whisper in my ear,
I've come to get a few things clear.
I know you worry you did something wrong,
I know how hurt your heart is Mom.
I see your tears when others do not,
I hear over and over your same thought. 
You think somehow, some way or another,
you should have been a better mother.
Please feel my presence here today.
Please believe me when I say,
For me there could be no other.
For me YOU are the Perfect Mother!
Don't you remember? Don't you see?
I chose you and you chose me!
Remember Mom, we chose together.
Our perfect love will last forever!


My Son, My Angel.... Steven 

1983 - 2015


I am changed... forever. I'm carving out my 'new normal' moving forward in a world without two of my best friends... my children. Steven and Shaniel.

Life is not the same as I remember it not so long ago. It's different without children you bore, raised, and loved their entire lives. Just under 3 years apart, both were 32 years of age at the time of passing. Both left small families behind (my son, his wife). And a grieving mother. A father. And siblings. Countless family members and friends. My heart has been shattered for the second time in less than 3 years. Not everyone will understand who reads this... but someone, somewhere... just may. My heart goes out to them.

In any given moment, the reality of losing two children will hit me like a freight train and leave me feeling broken... both body and soul. I am left wondering how can I go on? It's FAITH !  One simple word whispers quietly, yet with conviction, in my ear... and, with courage and new strength, I pick myself up and carry on. It's in our Savior's atonement that I find peace, comfort, hope, faith, healing, forgiveness, and love. And I know my two precious children... my Angels, are able to do the same. Perfect Love binds us together. Perfect Love is eternal. And I am forever changed.


...until we meet again.

Saturday, September 5, 2015

Six Word Fridays: Purple




Purple was her very favorite color.
How ironic that the color purple
also represents "Domestic Violence Awareness" month. 

Purple roses placed ever so gently 
and reverently on her casket... reminding 
us that life is, indeed, precious. 

Purple was her favorite color. 
And now reminds me everyday... of 
her presence, her grace, her laughter
and more. Memories of sweet Shaniel
are lasting and eternal... kept near
my heart. And what joy it 
will be when we reunite and 
begin again where we left off.

We'll hug and shed tears of 
joy... and reminisce about the days
on earth. But knowing her it 
won't last long. We'll be off 
in a flash to explore the 
beyond.... just like we used to
sweet daughter of mine. Love you! 


We lost Shaniel February 10, 2013 from an act of domestic violence. Her husband killed her.

Shaniel was a nurse by profession and a loving mother of four beautiful children. 

After her funeral, at the graveside, each of her co-workers placed a purple rose on her casket and gave a beautiful tribute. It reads...

Nursing is a calling, a lifestyle, a way of living. Nurses and co-workers here today honor Shaniel and her life as a nurse. Shaniel is not remembered by her years as a nurse, but by the difference she made during those years by stepping into people's lives and caring whole heartedly for her patients.

When a calming, quiet presence was all that was needed, she was there...

In the excitement and miracle of birth or in the mystery and loos of life, she was there...

When a silent glance could uplift a patient, family member or friend, she was there...

At those times when the unexplainable needed to be explained, she was there...

When the situation demanded a swift foot and sharp mind, she was there...

When a gentle touch, a firm push, or an encouraging word was needed, she was there...

To witness humanity - it's beauty, in good times and bad, without judgement, she was there...

To embrace the woes of the world, willingly and offer hope, she was there...

And now, that it is time to be at the Greater One's side, she is there...

Shaniel, we honor you this day and give you a white rose to symbolize our honor and appreciation for being your nursing colleague. We love and miss you.


In memory of Shaniel 

March 4, 1980 - February 10, 2013