Wednesday, January 20, 2010

A Light Has Gone Out in the World

My Mom's long, courageous battle with cancer finally ended at about 9:30am on Monday, January 18th. My brother and step-father were with her when she peacefully took her last breath. I was able to see her on Saturday and Sunday and I'm so glad of that--she was so tired of fighting and I knew it would be the last time I would see her alive.


My Mom has been the guiding force in my life for as long as I can remember. Her personality was larger than life and she had a presence that couldn't be ignored. For a long time I was intimidated by that, I felt I could never measure up to her example. I feared her and loved her in equal parts. We had many rocky periods over the years, but she was always proud of me and never withheld her love and support. As an adult I grew a very close bond with her and learned to embrace those things we had in common and not be afraid what our similarities and differences may imply. I stopped seeing her in black and white and realized we're all just human and do the best we can with what we have.

She touched the lives of so many people--I don't think she ever realized how much of an impact she really had on all of us. I've never met anyone like her and I know I never will again.

I love you, Mom. I miss you more than mere words can convey.

7 comments:

Logical Libby said...

I am so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Stacy said...

Thanks Libby :) It's been a long, difficult journey but in many ways a wonderful one.

One Girl in All The World said...

Thinking of you and your family Stacy! *hug* Talk to you soon.

Mindy said...

I can't believe how good your mom looks in that picture. What a trooper. So glad that you've been able to have the time to spend with her before the light went out. My heart aches for you, my friend. Take care of yourself.

Stacy said...

I know! She kept us all guessing right until the end. It's typical--she liked to do things her own way in her own time :)

psychsarah said...

BIG HUGS to you and your fam Stacy. I didn't have the honour of knowing your mom, but have been inspired by her and also by your incredible grace in dealing with her illness and death.

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