Our dear precious mother has gone to be with Jesus. How ironic it is that today is my 67th birthday and our mom is gone. She just passed away early this afternoon, after I had written this earlier update for today. We are heart broken and sad, but also relieved that she is out of pain and no longer suffering. The last few days have been so agonizing to watch her fade more and more from life. Yes, it’s sad, but also we are rejoicing that we know where she is. She is meeting Jesus face to face and that is the best gift of all.
It’s been so hard to watch her decline, but we are glad she is out of pain now and with her heavenly Father. We prayed that she would not have to suffer long and God honored those requests. As much as it hurts to lose her, she is no longer in a failing body.
She went peacefully after eating a bit of lunch today. I had just been there to see her about an hour before and a nurse care giver was with her when she passed. She went back to sleep and passed away. I knew she was getting bad, but even the hospice nurses were surprised she went this fast. I felt it in my heart that she was bad after I saw her this morning, but had no idea she would be going today on my birthday.
I will cry and grieve, but most of all I will rejoice in celebrating the best mother I could possibly have been gifted. She was an angel on earth and she loved her family so very much. My sister, Renee and niece, Lauren, will be home very soon and we’ll be planning a memorial service for her. I had to go and tell my daddy that she had passed and he took it well, in his state of dementia. I know he understood that she was sick and her body was failing and he was sad to hear she was gone. She was such a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother.
Thank you so much for loving our mom as much as you did! She was every bit the sweet and precious lady you thought she was and we will miss her dearly.
Thank you for your generosity in sharing the story of your parents for all these years. I am sorry for your grief. I pray that the Peace of Christ which is beyond all understanding is with you and your family.
I’m sorry for your loss. Your parents are blessed to have you. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.
I am so sorry for your loss. I miss my little Mama so much even now, it’s been 8 years. I offered my Mass Wednesday for your Mother and your family.
“Because of the tender mercy of our God,
by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven
to shine on those living in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the path of peace.” Luke chapter 1
I add my condolences and prayers. I am glad you all have your faith and memories to comfort you. 💕
Oh Rhoda,
I’m so sorry. I know how much it hurts and especially on your birthday! But, as you say, for those of us who know and love Jesus, it is a happy day indeed! The Angels came today to take your sweet mother home.
As someone who also lost her mother on her birthday, I wanted to share the very comforting words of my wise husband, who reminded me that now my mother and I share a birthday. Her birth into heaven and my birth here on earth. Every year since then I have reason to rejoice on our shared birthday.
HI, Valeri, several people have pointed that out too and I’m going to celebrate her on every birthday I have.
So sorry for your loss. I have enjoyed watching your family love on them. I have lost both of my parents over the past couple of years so I know how hard it is to watch them decline, but thankful in the end that they are no longer suffering. Prayers to your family during this difficult time.
I am so VERY sorry for your loss of your dear Mother. You know that all of your readers loved her from afar, and saw what a sweet soul she was. My prayers are with you and your family, Rhoda.
I check in often to see if you’ve updated status on your mom & dad. This news was not what I expected. It feels like a beloved relative I haven’t “seen” in a long time has gone to heaven. I’m so sorry for your loss, Rhoda, yet in turn so grateful for the wonderful mom you had.
Rhoda…just knowing that your sweet Mama met Jesus yesterday…is a blessing…for sure. I have enjoyed following your story about your family. I feel like you all are extended family. Just know that we are keeping you all in our prayers.
Thank you for sharing your mother with us for the past years. She is no longer in pain. Our prayers are with you and your family. God is welcoming her home.
Dear Rhoda, I’m sorry your sweet mama is not with us anymore. Nobody knows the pain until you experience it yourself. She was a remarkable lady and your loss will be with you till you see her in heaven. I thought your daddy would pass before her, but with her suffering with pain and breathing issues it’s a blessing.
Rhoda, I’m so very sorry for the loss of your precious mama. For the last few years, I’ve quietly walked this this journey with you and knew your pain. I also watched my elderly parents decline and did my best to take care of them. Lost my dad 12 years ago and my mom passed at age 92 on 12/21. You, Renee and Lauren have given them such loving care and brought joy to their lives. I realize it’s too soon, but perhaps you would consider printing a small cookbook with your mom’s incredible southern recipes. Proceeds could possibly go to your mom’s favorite charity or to plant bushes at her gravesite. Sending you much love and virtual (((hugs)))❤️
My mom passed on 12/21 last year as well – after a battle with dementia.
I think the cookbook idea is amazing! Rhoda – you should consider doing it as a tribute to your mom. You could include words of wisdom she shared with you throughout the years. ❤️
I have followed your blog for years. I am so sorry to hear about your precious mother. I cannot fathom the pain you are feeling, but I know you are glad she is no longer in pain. Prayers for you and your family. May God provide peace and comfort for you all.
Rhoda, I’m so very sorry for your loss. There really are no words that can make someone feel better when you lose a parent. I lost both my parents this year so I understand. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rhoda and family – I am so sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. I understand how very hard it is but at the same time, you are so happy to know that she is with Jesus now and no longer hurting. The days ahead are hard, but remember all of the sweet times. Thank you for always sharing with us about your parents. I’ve loved reading all of the updates about them, even the hard ones, because of your willingness to tell of their story. Blessings to you and your family.
Rhoda, I am so sorry to hear that your mom passed away this week. I somehow missed seeing that post and just saw it on today’s post.
I too have followed the journey that you and your family have been on for years, she was a remarkable lady that always put God and her family first…and now, she is rejoicing in heaven with all that have gone before her.
Losing her is hard, and losing her on your birthday is even harder but so glad that your faith is strong and you know that it was God’s will to take her home.
I do pray for you and your family this holiday season, praying your dad continues to do well. Oh, you will see a red bird soon to let you know that your angel is watching over you.
Prayers for you and your family.
My deepest condolences to you and your family. Hope your memories bring you lots of comfort. I felt like I knew her and always looked forward to your updates. Thanks for sharing this wonderful woman with us all.
You have honored your mother and can rest in knowing she is at rest in the arms of Jesus. Seeing your parents, with their faith and devotion to each other is a blessing to those of us who have lost our parents.
Oh Rhoda,
I’m just now seeing this about your sweet mother! My own mother passed away on Thanksgiving afternoon. She lingered for two weeks after hospice told us she would pass–God’s timing, of course, but I like to think she wanted a special day to be remembered by us all through the years. (And yours on your birthday!!) We had her service last Friday, and it was sweet and honoring to her and her love and service for the Lord. I know your mother’s service will be the same. My mother had dementia for many years, and the last three, she was a total invalid. I know she is free, full of joy, and singing with the angels now. My mother never met a stranger, so maybe she and your mother are friends now! Two country girls…. Of course, I still miss her, but we have that hope, don’t we?
Sending love and prayers,
Rhonda
Rhonda, thanks for sharing your story too. Moms are so special and I’m sorry for your loss as well. But yes I’m rejoicing that she is out of pain.