Mom had been fighting what she thought was bronchitis. Along with that she was having some pretty serious chest pain. After a long enough period, they did some chest x-rays and a CT scan and so forth...
She found out Friday that there was an orange-sized growth in the upper lobe of her left lung. Making it worse, it was growing around, and restricting blood flow of her left main pulmonary artery. Her doctor believes she will require immediate surgery. It will essentially be an open-heart procedure.
I have been fortunate in that both of my parents have been in relatively good health the last several years. Frankly, this scares the hell out of me, as it is my Mom to whom I am closest in my family... I'm working to keep my fears at bay and focus instead on her recovery and healing.
That's very scary. I'll be praying for you, your mother, and your family. I hope everything goes smoothly and that she will have a speedy recovery.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your Mom, may she recover quickly.
Oh, I hope they are able to get it and that she has a good recovery! I can't imagine what your family is going through!
Molden I'll be sure to keep you and your Mother in my prayers. I'll pass the word to those I know. Let us know when her surgery is scheduled.
Molden my prayers are with you and your family. Praying for a speedy recovery.
All of the candles at Skycastle Manor are lit for you and your mother. We pray for a short ordeal and a speedy recovery.
Molden you and your mother and family are in my prayers. Postive thoughts, keep thinking positive thoughts.
Molden, a healing candle has been lit for your mom down here in Florida, and a candle for peace and strength for you as well.
...Remember, your friends are here for you - call at any time, for any reason, if you ever have need....
My Friend you have the strength offered, the thoughts and Prayer's, with Hope and petitions to the PTB from Both of us.
Sending you prayers and peace my Darling.
Positive and healing thoughts for your mom, Molden.
Grammercy One and All. I can't imagine how she feels...I'm scared. I'm doing my best to be positive and upbeat.
Mom is to meet with the surgeon tomorrow afternoon. I suspect we'll find out more about next steps/timing. My suspicion is once we know, things will happen fast. Mom did say she would update us after the appointment. I will update you wonderful souls once I know more.
Thank You.
Molden,
Don't forget me hunny.You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers as well.May your mom have a safe and speedy recovery.Remember we may be a ren faire forum but as you can see we are all family and are here for one another as you see we are here for you as well.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your Mom! Everything will be fine before you know it.
I just heard from Mom about her visit with the doctor today. She was there a lot longer than any of us expected. (She just got home a half hour ago!). They did some blood and breathing tests. She's now set up for a bronchoscopy on Friday. They can and will do a biopsy at that time. The doctor says she either has a fungus or lung cancer. ??? Anyway - *good news* He did stress that EITHER situation is MANAGEABLE!!! After Friday we will know the next steps.
Thank all of you for your kind words, varous offers - and above all - the Wonderul Energy Ya'll put out there. Let's please keep things focused on her recovering. Thank you all so much. And no matter how I say it, it feels insufficient. But it is heartfelt.
I've got a few more people to update, then I think I'll actually grab a bite and lighten up a little. I'll keep this thread updated on her progress.
Namaste
What a blessing to hear. I continue to keep ya'll in my prayers; they are powerful. Besides can't hurt now can it?? ;)
Wonderous news indeed Darlin'! :-*
You are all in my thoughts and prayers! I pray for your mom to have a safe and speedy recovery!
Been there with a family member too, dude. Heartfelt prayers that it's just a fungal infection and not the "big C", and prayers of thanksgiving that it's manageable, regardless.
My prayers are with you and your family Molden.
I'm sorry to hear of your mom's condition, Molden!
But glad to hear that they think it will be treatable!
You will both be in my thought, and prayers!
Many Thanks to all of you wonderful folks. 'tis heartfelt indeed.
The bronchoscope ended up hurting Mom more, post-procedure than she'd anticipated. And she's been pretty wiped from the anesthesia. She is getting some good rest and is eating well. And I'm sure a little taken aback, as am I at the news. We knew it was likely, so now we face it.
They said Mom has non-small cell lung cancer.
Mom has an appointment to meet her new oncologist late Monday afternoon. They'll discuss a treatment plan at that time.
Molden,
I just learned of your mom's diagnosis and I must say that I am very sorry to hear that.I will continue to keep her and your entire family in my thoughts and prayers.
Molden,
It is always difficult to get a diagnosis of cancer for all involved with the family. Please know that wonderful stides in medicine within the last 10 year have been amazing. You mom will be going thru a lot and a positive attitude makes a big difference. Please know your mother and you and your family are in my prayers. May God's (or whomever you believe in) power of healing and peace be with you all.
Robin
So sorry to hear the diagnosis. You, your mother, and family are still in my thoughts, and the candles are burning here.
Much love to you and yours darling. We're keeping those candles lit. I certainly hope you'll come to Houston sometime soon to help me clean up all the dripping wax... :P
Mom met her oncologist today. There was concern about the growth around the pulmonary artery. They are scheduling Mom for a pet scan and MRI to determine the spread of the cancer. She'll find out when tomorrow. There will be additional tests to determine staging as well. A round of chemotherapy and radiation treatments will likely be next to knock the cancer back some.
Keep those prayers coming please, we're just now going into battle...
* closes her eyes and imagines herself wrapping her arms gently around Molden in a comforting embrace *
We are here for you & yours, luv. We are here....
I'm still hoping for the best for your mom Molden.Don't give up and keep on fighting this fight my friend cause i know that in the end she will get better.
:'( :'(My thoughts and prayers go out to you Molden and to your family. The candles are burning and will do so until this all goes away. Stay focused my friend, good things happen to good people.
Mom gave birth one day to a boy. That boy grew up into a young man. That young man grew up and became a man. That man joined The Marine Corps!
Short and sweet, Mom gave birth to a Marine! She is one tough cookie!
You know I am here for you brother. As all of our family we call Marines! Add to that the family that is here on RF! No medical problems stand a chance.
Whatever, whenever and however if you need something come high or heck h2o we will be there.
Carry on Bro!
Again my heartfelt Thanks to y'all.
Mom sent an email last night - here are a few lines -
"For right now, I think all we can do is just trudge through the testing process. I have an appointment with the Dr. next Tuesday afternoon to go over the results of the pet scan and the MRI and lay out the treatment plan. I'll continue to keep you posted, of course. I do appreciate the prayers. We're going to lick this thing, and prayers will make sure of that!"
Sounds to me like Someone is ready to fight!
Though the odds are sounding good, I don't take lightly what She's about to go though...
the battle awaits.
I am getting a copy of Sun Tzu - The Art of War
Thought this quote seemed fitting!
You have to believe in yourself.
Sun Tzu
Molden I wouldn't take lightly to it either if it were me,but hang in there my friend you and your family will get through this cause your mom is a fighter.I believe that she will get through this cause i am continuing to keep her and your family in my prayers.
I talked to Mom last night. She's finished with her PET scan and MRI. Next, she will get her results on Tuesday from her oncologist.
Then she'll be changing oncologists. The one she's been working with is barely 30 and to spare the drama, she's got a LOT to learn about how you treat people.
The good news is, Mom is getting in contact with the oncologist who worked with Lance Armstrong.
Mom is in pretty good spirits. I'm glad to see her not accepting anything less than the best effort in this fight. She also thanks ALL of you for your kind words, thoughts and prayers.
Namaste
Molden,
I'm glad to hear that your mom is in good sprits.And you are right only the right doctos know the right treatments for this kind of situation.
Huney I am so glad to hear she is going to contact the Oncologist that worked on Lance Armstrong, I trust it was received with the love and support it was delivered with. :-*
Good for her Molden!! She deserves to have a doctor who believes in her!
Any kind of update on Mom? Still praying for you and yours.
Robin
I just read this thread for the first time. My thoughts and prayers will be with your mom, your family, and you. I hope all turns out well for her.
I hope you can feel the big hug I'm sending to you through the internet, and one to pass on to your mom.
Well - Mom completed her tests last week...they found another mass, on her right lung - a little smaller than the one on her left lung. They started her chemotherapy this last Thursday. My step-dad said she did pretty well - and actually went for a walk on Saturday. She's taking oxygen treatments at night and that helps her do better in her sleeping.
This Thursday, they will put a port in her chest so she can recieve her chemo treatments without sticking her with an IV needle each time. For right now, she will recieve chemotherapy treatments for the next 3 weeks, then 1 week off.
Thank You All - as always, for your heartfelt prayers for her. I know we can beat this!!!
Namaste
Just stay strong and positive especial around mom. The chemo in the tube is exactly what my mom had too. It is a lot better then the IV I think. Mom was usually doing pretty good the day after a good night sleep.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family Molden..
Molden,
I'll second Capt.Bacardi on that as well.Stay strong and don't give up hope cause it's like we have all said before,your mom will beat this.You and your family are still in my thoughts and prayers Molden so don't ever forget that my friend.
Still in my thoughts and prays good man.
Robin
I just read this thread. I'll say some prayers for your Mom and your family. Hang in there, positive energy on the way!
:-* :-* :-*
Molden,
A port (which is different from a pick line and IMHO way better than said line) is the best thing ever. Ever since Sir Dragon got his, not only has chemo been easier but also less traumatic.
Molden,
Keep on hanging in there my friend,Your mom is this much closer to pulling through this cause i am still continuing to pray for her and your family.
spending hugs and healing energy your way.
I've refrained from blow-by-blow updates, but wanted to take a moment here to update my Friends on Mom's progress. She's been getting weekly chemotherapy treatments, only skipping last week because they discovered that she was anemic and needed about 2 pints of blood. The plan is to go through this next round of treatments and then they will run more tests to see what the next steps will be (surgery, additional treatments, etc.). I thought I'd share directly from her update this morning:
Dear Friends & Family,
Hopefully, this will be the last update for awhile. I went in yesterday and received my 2nd chemotherapy in uneventful fashion. My only reaction thus far has been a little shakiness. Today I notice that with each comb of the hair, a little more comes away on the comb. Fortunately, since I wear it so short, it shouldn't take too long to be done. I'm scheduled for treatments the next 3 Thursday mornings at 8:30 a.m. I feel we're headed down to road to health again. Thank you all so much for your cards, your thoughts, your calls, and most of all your prayers. I am very, very blessed.
Love,
Bev
In my reply, I mentioned how many of You were praying for her in your own unique ways (Christian, Hebrew, Wiccan, Pagan, Buddhist, so on...) and I thought her post-script to Her reply was priceless:
Oh and do thank your friends for the prayers, sage, smudge sticks, drum circles etc. I have wickan friends from the old days at Wildwood...so I'm not a stranger there.
Ya'll ARRRRR th' Best! And know that She, as well as I, can feel the Power of your Prayers and Well Wishes. Yer a Right Bonny Bunch and Iz LURVS Ya ALL!!! :)
God bless your mom and you LF
:-* :-* :-*
Molden,
I just stumbled across this thread and, although I know neither you nor your mother, I am very familiar with the special bond between a mother and son. I am adding my prayers to the many others here, both for your mom's health and for your peace of mind.
Blessing to both of you,
A/O
Lord love y'all, Molden. Take care of yourselves - you're in my thoughts.
Thank You one and all for your continued well wishes and Prayers. I went to see Mom tonight - to my surprise, She had made cornbread and beans. Simple stuff and all, but so good and reminded me of days of growing up.
I was pleasantly surprised tonight! She was doing SO MUCH better than the last time I had visited her. Her breathing was better, she wasn't coughing near as much, and her spirits were awesome. She kept saying how blessed she is - that the chemo isn't as bad as she'd feared, she loves the port they put in her chest - especially because the last few times of inserting the IV were pretty rough for her. She's got a much better and more positive oncologist that she enjoys working with.
This really was such a GREAT night and we all are feeling so much better.
Thanks again - ALL of You! ;D
Glad to hear it, Molden!
Same here Molden. Your mom sounds cool! Wildwood!:)
Molden,
Keeping your mom and family as well as you in my prayers. You need to get mom some cool scarves and teach her to tie them pyrate style! :D
Big hugs and kisses to you my friend! You and your Mom are in my thoughts and prayers!!
Loves you!! :-*
I am sorry to say that Mom passed away about 10:30 p.m. last night.
Apparently the pulmonary artery gave way and took her.
There will be a visitation tomorrow night from 6 - 8 pm at Beck Funeral Home in Round Rock, TX. The funeral service is at 2:30 pm on Saturday. She will then be transported to Duncan, OK for burial and graveside service at 1:00 pm on Monday.
I'm still pretty much in shock.
Oh Molden.. I am so, so, sorry!!!!! I know words can't really help at a time like this, but you will be in my thoughts....
Loves to you
xoxo
Muffin
Molden,
This kind of shocks me to.I guess I was kind of getting my hopes up from all those progress reports you had been giving about your mom.Anyway I am so sorry for your loss my condolences go out to you and your family during this difficult time.
Molden I am so sorry to hear this. I know what it is to lose your Mother, it is not an easy thing.
Molden, dear, I am at a loss for words.
All I can do is give you my sympathy and a few hugs.
Molden darling, I love you so very much and I'm so VERY sorry to hear about you losing your mother. She must have been such a wonderful woman, to have given the world such a great son. My condolances and prayers go out to you and your brother. I wish I were there to offer support in person dearest.
*silently raises a tankard to the departed*
Molden,
I am so very sorry. (((HUGS))))
Please know you and your family are in my prayers and if there is anything I can do for you please, do not hesitate to ask.
Robin
I just found this... Mom's Senior group invaded Scarborough Faire a few years ago. Queen Shauna and I did our best to show her a good time...but she was already having one! Here's a pic of Queen Shauna, my Mom, and me.
(http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb187/Molden/Scarby%202005/LadyShaunaMomnMolden.jpg)
Molden,
I never know what to say in times like this, so I will send my sympathies and a big hug your way.
Molden, my brother, I am so very sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
My dear friend, I extend my sincerest condolences to you and your family. Should you need anything, do not hesitate to contact me.
*Sits next to her Pyrate, holds his hand.* :-*
See you soon Sweetie.
(http://dl6.glitter-graphics.net/pub/744/744726lk3hnvuq9g.gif) (http://www.glitter-graphics.com)
My deepest sympathies, Molden.
Molden, no words can express my sorrow for your loss.
I shan't even try to find them for I know they have not been created.
If there is anything I can do... if you need to vent or talk, know that I am here for you.
Bryan AKA Adolfo
I am so sorry. Please know that you and your family are in our prayers.
Lady M-please let us know if we can do anything for Molden.
Molden, you and your family will be in Steve and my prayers. We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. I'm sending long-distance hugs your way.
:o I share in your shock as from your previous post it seemed she would recover. Sorry for your loss.
Molden, I am so sorry for this situation. I am send you many hugs and thoughts for you and you family.
I wish there was something I could say to help ease your pain.
Quote from: Lady Jai on August 21, 2008, 08:11:44 PM
Lady M-please let us know if we can do anything for Molden.
Right now the love and support from the Fairemily is very helpful. We really thought she was on the road to health. Still pretty surreal. Thank-you so very much.
My heart goes out to you Molden. I'm so sorry.
Oh Molden...I'm so sorry to hear this. :'( There really are no words...just know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. May you somehow find peace despite the pain. (((HUGS)))
Pyrate love, as always, my heart is open and full of love for you. Petitions for strength and peace continue with the PTB. Take the time to take care of yourself, follow your instincts on what is the best thing for you at any moment, and know that we are here should you need anything.
Molden, I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts.
I'm so sorry for your loss, Molden.
Molden, I'm so very sorry about your mom. My thoughts and prayers are still out there for you my friend.
The candle is still burning for her and will continue as long as you need it. Take care.
So sorry about your Mom, Molden! Lawrence and I send our thoughts and prayers.
Hugs Molden. So sorry for your loss! You are in my thoughts! Hard to find the right thing to say at times like this! You have many friends here!
You and your entire family have my deepest sympathy, Molden. You'll be in my thoughts. Despite not knowing ye, consider this a long-distance hug from Ohio.
Thank You ALL soo much - All of You who have reached out to offer me comfort and support in this time. I have heard from You by these very posts, text messages, Ren Mails, phone calls and etc.
I am deeply touched by your generous offers and support. Truly. I know I owe a good many of you a return message and so forth, and I will follow through rest assured. It's a minute by minute thing for me.
Sometimes I can carry on things in a normal manner...othertimes, I've caught myself walking way past my car in a parking lot, putting tooth paste on my razor (it actually made me laugh when I realized what I did!), and just losing track of day or tyme.
You are All the Dearest and Sweetest Folks I've ever known and I am truly blessed.
Many, Many Thanks One and All
Dearest Molden -
Laird Guard'n and I are so sorry for your loss. My mother passed away from the same horrible disease about four and a half years ago, and I still talk to her every day. Having been there myself, I know a little something of what you have been going through, and I realize that nothing that any of us say can make it any easier, but time will help you accept it and learn to deal with it. I really don't mean to sound cold, but I am happy that she did not have to suffer longer that she did, and that she is at peace now. All you can do, at this point, is be grateful for every moment that you had with her, and know that you have been blessed. I have said a prayer, and asked my mother to watch out for her and show her the ropes. And this is cool, because now she will have someone to party with.
And now, I would like to make a toast. "To Molden's mother and to all of our parents - and their children! May we all appreciate what we have in each other."
Quote from: Peddlin on August 25, 2008, 08:06:09 AM
Dearest Molden -
And now, I would like to make a toast. "To Molden's mother and to all of our parents - and their children! May we all appreciate what we have in each other."
HIP, HIP HUZZAH!!! HIP, HIP, HUZZAH!!! HIP, HIP, HUZZAH!!!
Molden, I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept many hugs and my condolences. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Molden, I am praying that during this first Holiday Season since your tragic loss, you and your family will be able to recall the Joy and Love your dear Mother brought into all of your lives, and that the memories will help to ease some of the pain of not having her there for a gathering that must still bear the stamp of her many years of sharing her giving nature and caring heart with those she surely still loves best of all. May you feel her presence in every tradition she helped to create, and know that she is with you all still, in every joy and triumph, sharing love with you and yours.
Molden my good man I just want you to know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers on this your first holiday season without your mother around my friend.Even though she may not be you in person just know that she is with you in spirit and in heart.Take those memories of her that you hold close to your heart and treasure them forever and that right there my friend will be one of the greatest comforts in the world to you.Have a blessed and happy holiday season and may god bless you and your entire family as well.
Molden darling, you are still in my thoughts, especially with it being the Holidays. Know your Mom is not far from you at this time! And all of your family of friends are here as well! *HUGS* May you have a peaceful Holiday my dear!
Hi Hun, I am SO looking forward to seeing you on Christmas Day!!! ;D
Wow...I kinda got caught nappin'!
Many, many heartfelt Thanks to All of you generous souls who are thinking of me and my family at this tyme.
I will be joining my half brother (Dale) and step-sister n' her husband (Carye & Kimes) tomorrow afternoon for a Christmas gathering at Dale's house. We'll dine, drink, and exchange gifts.
Sadly, my Step-Father (Wayne) will not be with us, as he has gone to Oklahoma. His sister, Loretta passed yesterday from a long fight with serious ailments and advanced years. We are at least comforted by the fact that he will be surrounded by his other brothers and sisters during this tyme. My prayers go out to him as he has had an extremely rough year in the regard of loss.
Mom was the one who made sure we had the best Christmases possible...from making sure the Christmas tree stayed up until I got home for leave in early January, after I had missed my 1st Christmas before going to Okinawa one year - to - exchanging gifts in her car with Dale and Carye, when she was going through a divorce from my previous step-dad, when I was overseas a few years later. No matter how rough times might have been - Christmas was the most joyous tyme she could muster - and that was always beyond what we expected.
She made sure us kids were the ones who decorated the tree each year and the whole house smelled wondermous as she baked pies, cookies, and cakes. And she cheerfully refereed the ensuing battles between us kids to see who got to lick the beaters and bowls. She also made sure that a year didn't go by with out us getting to see Santa Claus, so we could make our annual requests. She loved to pile us in the car (even as adults!) to go "light lookin' " - to see all the extravagant light displays - and then to go spin under the huge tree made of lights at Zilker Park.
I'm sure it will be a little "bumpy" and I am sure a tear or two will be shed as us kids remember Mom. But - I do have to say, I've done better with this than even I expected. I have felt her presence many times and remember her love of the season.
And, as Lady Mikayla has said - I'll be with her on Christmas Day - to share the day with Lady Dracolich, along with other dear friends of hers, who have been so sweet to me. Most of all - I am looking forward to (repeatedly) catching Lady Mikayla under the mistletoe ;) and sharing the day with one so dear. I think Mom would most heartily approve.
Thank You One and All my Dear Friends!
"...remember, no man is a failure who has friends."
excert from "It's A Wonderful Life"
I will send prayers of healing and sympathy to your step-father. May he be comforted doubly by the love he is surrounded with...
It sound as though you have already begun the journey into Happy Memory, Molden, and I'm so glad you will be able to share them all with loved ones this first year... Your mother would be proud and happy I think, though I never met either of you, to know how much love you have drawn into your life. Enjoy the Season, bitter-sweet though it be... enjoy your friends and family... and enjoy the mistletoe!!! (I won't even say enjoy Lady M, because I can see almost every day that you do, and I get the feeling that your mother would be pleased, indeed!)
Merry Christmas, Molden, to you and yours!!!
Molden,
I also lost my mother this year in February, and I know the pain of loss as you do. My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. Try to keep remembering the good times, and let yourself go back to them in your first season without her. This is the season of birth, so let the memories of past be reborn!
All the best, my friend!
MacLaren - right back at ya Mate - you and yours are in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this 1st Holiday season without your Mother. All my best to you as well.
And Rani - thank you ever so for your beyond kind words.
Lady Mikayla...I'll deal with you SOON my Pretty! :-* ;)
Enjoy your family day, and thanks for sharing so many poignant memories with us... and travel safe!
Bring it!!! ;D ;D ;) ;) :-* :-*
*Look to your heart, and the warmth you find is the fondness of rememberance*
Peace and a hug this holiday season to yuh and your family.
Molden please know that your step father and his family are in my thoughts and prayers during the loss of his sister.I am glad to hear that you will be spending the holidays with ones that you love as I am sure that that's what your mom would want for you.Merry Christmas to you lad and a Happy New Year to you as well.
*re-enters this space...surveys the room...reverently lights a candle...invokes the crytal singing bowl...tolling slowly, three tymes*
At 10:30 p.m. this nyght a most ignoble anniversary will come to pass - it markes one year since my Mother passed.
A few days back, I re-read this thread - from it's start through to the latest post. I am struck by several things. For one, the speed and surprise with which events came to pass - from the initial news of the disease and diagnosis through to the surprising end.
*sips his scotch in reflection*
In truth, it was sudden and swifter than any expected. However, much has come to light in this last year. In truth, Mom knew how dire the situation was - but embraced it with her usual optimistic gusto. But in doing so, we (family) have also come to understand how much she shielded us from the brutal truth. Her reasons were her own. I could endeavor to second guess what I "should have done" but in the end - I believe I treated the situation as she would have desired - with the hope and optimism she embraced throughout her life.
Another thing that came to my attention in my re-reading of this thread is - the outpouring of love, support, tender-heartedness, and sympathy of you - my Fairemily. To you, I again express my overwhelming gratitude and appreciation. There never will be enough words to fully express the gratitude I feel toward all of you.
And know - do not be concerned this day for me.
As with the 1st Mother's Day I experienced without Mom this year, I chose not to be sorrowful nor maudlin in my reflections. While I miss her dearly, I choose to be Grateful for having the opportunity to have her as my Mother.
She truly embraced the "Underdog" and did much to make many lives better. She believed in redemption. She believed that you looked for the Best in things and strived constantly in making the best of a bad situation. The stories are endless. She believed in seeking Happiness in it's truest form (I'm currently re-reading her copy of The Desiderata of Happiness). She believed in affirmations. And most of all, she believed in each of us being our Truest and Best Self we can be.
In digging through some old photos and writings she'd set aside - I came across a quote, by her, that sums up the last ideal best. It's from one of her desk memos - which oddly lends a kind of Power to this quote:
Make the most of yourself...for that is all there is to you.
You are always yourself, never someone else. You are always faced with yourself, there is no escape, no hiding, no evasion of that self that you will forever be with. You either put yourself all together and make the most of what you have, or slide along disregarding what you could have become.
I and I alone am responsible for what I am and what I shall do. I shall not blame you for my weaknesses or failures. The challenge to make my life a successful, meaningful experience is not yours, it is mine. That is the lifesaving attitude I must kindle right now!!!
As I write that, I swear I can hear her, and remember this message in one form or another, as she told us kids so many times in our upbringing. That thought is so quintessentially her.
So this day, I have been in celebration, rememberance and gratitude - as I believe she would truly have had it no other way. I have played golf, listened to music she loved (a lot of Simon & Garfunkel), listened to George Carlin (the cd A Place for My Stuff - in particular, his bit on Rice Krispies "Snap, Crackle, F- - - You!), and watched Star Wars (she GOT the mythological aspects of that trilogy). I've eaten some of her favorite foods (fried chicken, fried okra, pinto beans and corn bread). I've read some material she would appreciate and have reflected a good bit - happily so.
To steal from Abraham-Hicks, I would share from her - Life is Supposed to be FUN!
She would - and I do encourage all of us to go forth embracing what Life has to offer. Look around and enjoy the beauty of sunrise and sunset. Encourage rather than chide. Build up instead of tear down. Appreciate all you have with a sense of Deep Gratitude. CELEBRATE your successes - no matter how small they seem to be, and Learn from failures. Give yourself a break, don't be such a harsh judge. Laugh often. Hug someone you Love. Love Greatly. Be your Best Self - and then Share that Gift with others.
*Nods reflectively* Aye, 'bout sums it up. Thanks for having been here Mom.
I Love You.
Molden, my friend...
How wonderful that you have your lovely mother so firmly embedded in your heart and mind. I will be sure take moments in the coming days to celebrate her life in small things that catch my attention, and be grateful that she saw fit to raise a son such as you. You add to our essence here, and everywhere you spread your mother's light. I do believe she taught you well the art of having Fun, and when things Remind Me of Molden, they will undoubtedly remind me of Molden's Mother as well, though I have never had the pleasure of sharing space with either of you.
I am so happy that you have such an unending source of Love, Inspiration and sheer Joy to call on throughout your days, and see fit to share it with all of us! I raise a glass to the wonderful woman who gave you the Gift of that Sharing!!!
HUZZAH!!!
Molden, thank you for sharing that wonderful tribute. You were blessed to have her as your mother as she was blessed to have such a loving son in you. Take care.
Molden, Darlin' -
What a very special lady! Thank you so much for sharing her with us. And I must say that I am very impressed with the legacy that she left behind. I know that she is looking down on you, with a perpetual smile.
Molden, that was lovely. :) A wonderful reminder to celebrate the good in those who enter our lives. Thanks. :)