Thursday, November 3, 2011

As we lay you down to sleep...

I pray the Lord your soul to keep.

Tomorrow, 2 pm. November 4th.

Mom will be next to my dad after 31 yrs.

Another chapter in my life closes.

Am I ready for this one?

Not sure.

MY SISTER, MOM, ME AND MY BFF LUCIE.
MOM'S SISTER JEANNINE, MOM, HER GODCHILD LENNY AND KENNY OUR COUSIN.
OUR LAST DANCE TOGETHER ON DEB'S BIRTHDAY MARCH 7TH, 
EASTER WITH SISTER LOLOTTE AND AUNTY JEANNINE.
COUSINS.
MOM, WHEN WE LIVED ON PARKDALE . 
LAUGHING AGAIN, DEB'S BIRTHDAY LIVING ON McCALLUM. 
THANKSGIVING WITH COUSIN GRANT AND HIS MOM JEANNINE. 



MOM HERE AT THE COTTAGE. 
AT DEB & BILL'S.  
IN WINDSOR WHEN I WAS VISITING. 
IN CORNWALL AT THE COTTAGE WITH HER SISTER,
STILL HAVING THEIR MORNING COFFEE . 
LAST XMAS AT THE MANOR WHERE SHE HAD BEEN LIVING FOR THE PAST YEAR. 
BILL'S MOM AND MY MOM WERE
 BEST BUDDIES. BOTH 91.
ALWAYS TIME FOR A COCKTAIL 
AND A FEW LAUGHS. 
NOT SO MANY LAUGHS AFTER HER FALL
THIS SUMMER. 
BACK IN THE HOSPITAL IN OCTOBER. 
NEVER RECUPERATED FROM THE HOSPITAL. 
HOSPICE, NO LAUGHTER, JUST TEARS.
 GONE 
OCTOBER 7TH, 12:17AM
2011
She would have welcomed her first 
GREAT GRANDDAUGHTER AUBREE MARIE
only 15 days later : (
It was NOT meant to be.

I HOPE YOUR PATH TO HEAVEN LOOKED LIKE THIS MOM.

 IT'S WHAT I ENVISION.







for all the wonderful memories MOM.

I LOVE YOU.
xoxoo


39 comments:

Julie Harward said...

WOW...I love the sparkle in your mom's eyes and her laughter and times with you and her family. I think at the end of that beautiful path, whatever it looks like, is a most beautiful light..the Savior Jesus Christ...what a welcome! God bless and be with you, I'll be thinking of you tomorrow. :D

Unknown said...

Your mom was a beautiful lady! I know she is missed. Your tribute to her is heartwarming. Bless you Dear Claudette!
Loretta

Claudia said...

My dear
Tomorrow you will have my thoughts right with you. Like we spoke about today, this is an important time to say your good byes and take one more step in the process.

Her twinkling eyes remind me of yours. Her smiles that you have shared are beautiful ones.

Both you and your sister have great smiles.

Know that I am giving you a huge hug and kiss to get you through this.

xoxo
Claudia

Ann@A Sentimental Life said...

you will be in my thoughts tomorrow. What came through the posts was the laughter and the love...things you will never forget. Having such a great mom makes it harder...I am so sorry for your loss but happy you had one of the great ones.
Blessing for tomorrow,

Ann

Unknown said...

aww this post brought a tear to my eye! She seemed like a happy lady.

P.S If I come see you, just wear closed-toe shoes and have some wine ready- and we'll be ok..lol! JK!

Hugs!
Sandy

ShabbyESP said...

Hello Claudette,
Your mom looked like she really enjoyed life, looked so happy. You have a great smile like your mother.
Tomorrow she will be with your daddy again.
What a sweet tribute to your mother
Thoughts and hugs go out to you my blogging friend.
Suzann ~xoxo~

wendy said...

Dang, I wish I had not missed your phone call. But maybe it was a good thing I did, as my emotions were running raw today....
thinking of Matt
with the Same love and the Same memories of joy that you are thinking of Your mom

I LOVED LOVED LOVED all the happy faces and smiles in the photos at the beginning of this post.
I can just hear all the giggles, and feel all the Hugs.
Just a true validation of all the happy fun times.
they will be wonderful pictures for you to look at over the years !!!

those photos of "her pathway" are amazingly beautiful. And yet...
I think what she will be experiencing is something a photo lense would never be able to catch, something BEYOND our comprehension.

(btw, where did you get those amazing pictures at the end of your post??)

And...I love that you are writing a letter to your mom, tieing it with a beautiful pink ribbon (so like you) and will put it by her side, her grave. That is very tender, those feelings between a mom and a daughter....that only YOU and SHE will share. Sacred thoughts.

I remember at Matt's funeral, before closing the casket for that last time,his children each put something special in there. And my youngest son put in a football (as that was his passion and skill)

I WISH with all my heart, I would have thought to have put something in there that just HE and I...shared.
but my mind was in such a fog, I am finding there are many things I wish I would have known to do.

gosh, didn't meant to go on and on.
Sister L. will offer beautiful prayers tomorrow. They will be heart felt.

You know I love you, ....you have become very special to me. I have so many emotions and thought rolling around this head of mine, and am not adequately finding the words to express them.
so I will say goodnight, and know I will be with you tomorrow

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

Claudie, this is a beautiful tribute to your Mom. She was a beautiful lady and looks like she ENJOYED life. You and your sister have her beautiful smile. I know you will keep all of your memories in your heart forever. She will be in your heart forever. I am thinking of you. XO, Pinky

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Your Mom's smile lights up the page! She will always be so special and you have such warm and wonderful memories. I'm hoping that path to heaven looks just like these pictures also. hugs to you my sweet friend,
Linda

"Create Beauty" said...

Bless you Claudie, it is obvious that you were a wonderful loving daughter that brought much joy to your mom.

Feeling sad for you...

This is a lovely tribute to your mother. Thoughts and Prayers,
Violet

jeanne said...

Claudie, this is the most heartwarming post and I know it must have been hard to do. The photos are all so happy until she fell. Keep the happy ones in your heart to make you smile when you think of these happy events with your mom and family that she loved. Her smile is awesome and she is so pretty in the photos you shared. There is peace in knowing your parents will be together again.

My thoughts are with you all as you put your mom to rest. She is in a far better place now and there is no more suffering. There is comfort in that thought.
I will be thinking of you and sending you mental messages of love and happy thoughts.
xoxoxo, Jeanne

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

...and this month is my mum's birthday. Thinking about and seeing all the wonderful memories is hard to take for ME...but dearest, your smile and heart live on and so does hers, in YOU. You know how to LIVE my friend, and you bless us ALL. YOUR HEADER IS STUNNING, as only CLAUDIE would do!!! AND I HOPE YOUR ORDER GETS TO YOU IN TIME! My experience with sending things to Canada has been a slooooow process!

BIG HUGS TO YOU as you lay down to sleep your memories, but forever will live her beauty in your life. Anita

Kimberly said...

Cried my eyes out reading this.....had to get off the computer. I am not sure I am ready for the next chapter but I have no choice.

Sending HUGS your way!!! Your Mom was a beautiful lady and looks like she had a fun filled life.

Sherry from Alabama said...

What a precious post. You're in my prayers today. ~ Sherry

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Claudie, I can barely see to write through the tears. What a beautiful tribute to your mother! Even though we are miles away, I feel as if I am spending this day with you and holding you close at heart.

I am so sorry her life had to end in this way, but I am so very thankful that she had someone as precious as you for a daughter. What wonderful memories you shared and that you shared here with us.

Warm and tender hugs and a special one for your mother. I can see her dancing with your father. Can you even imagine the joy??? And in my heart of hearts I know that my own parents and loved ones were waiting there to greet her. I think they know when their children are friends!

Love you...

XO,

Sheila

The Quintessential Magpie said...

P.S. Have been working on my genealogy and Mr. M's, and you wouldn't believe all the French ancestors! ;-)

Pink Roses and Teacups said...

Sweet Claudie, I am at a loss for words. What a beautiful post! Your mom had a wonderful happy life, and now she will be dancing in heaven with your dad. I hope the wonderful memories you shared with her will bring you peace.

Love and hugs,
Debbie xxoo

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

Hi dear one....

I've had you on my mind all day......just wanted you to know I've been praying for you today....

xoxoxo
S

Judi said...

Hi Claudie *hugs*
I know what a difficult day this was for you...your post today is just beautiful and I can feel the love that surrounds you and your mother..and your family. I could see so many wonderful happy and laughing times and that is so special.

I know your family is together and offering good support to each other..through this very difficult time...

*hugs*..all best...
Judi

LuLu Kellogg said...

What a wonderful tribute to your sweet Mom. I absolutely adored being able to see all these wonderful photos of her. Thank you for sharing her with all of us.

My heart and prayers are with you my precious friend.

Love,
LuLu~*xoxo

Lily's Lace said...

What a beautiful tribute sweet Claudie, I know your mom knows how much you loved her. She'll be at the gate with St. Peter with a kitty at her feet. Take care of yourself, call anytime!xoxo-c

jeanne said...

I know you won't read this until tomorrow Claudie. I saw the clip of sister Lolotte and I laughed out loud. So precious of you to get this on a video. You knew I would adore seeing and hearing you both so much. THANK YOU!

Vaaase or vahhhse...that is the question. It is all about how your parents said that word. Cost has nothing to do with it as far as my opinion goes. Probably the upper class would say vahhse. LA-TEE-DA dahhaling!!! Big smile here.

I am so glad this day went well and now rest and remember all the happiest of times when your mom loved to have fun with her daughters, grands and sisters and on and on. Her photos with her great smile is the best memory.
I love you to pieces,
Jeanne xoxoxo

~CC Catherine said...

My Sweetest Friend Claudie, Buckets of tears are flowing down my cheeks right now...not just from the words and pictures on this page,but because I feel your broken heart as I read the words and see the pics. :*( I love you so much Claudie, I just wish I could squeeze you to let you know how much. I am praying for the "What's Next" in your life journey. Your Mom & Daddy are together again, and I know that gives you peace. We have Tyler this weekend but after tomorrow evening any night should be good if you feel like talking. And you can call in the day too if you want - most times I can take a break or multi-task and clean up email while we chat. LYTTMAB like crazy friend! xoxo Face all wet now...but I don't care... xoxo ~CC

Jen said...

What a wonderful tribute to your Mom. You know when the laughter is gone and the joy of being around family is as well....you have to know she is in a better place. Doesn't make it easier, but maybe bearable??

Jeannette

"Create Beauty" said...

Hi Claudie,
Thanks for coming by after your hard day ... how are you this weekend?

You were close about the landscape location.... south of B.C. and north of Bellingham! So beautiful.

May love surround you and bring healing to your broken heart
oh precious one...

~ Violet

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Ahhhhhh....always, even in the midst of sorrow or an average, every day routine, your blog is a place of pure joy. Claudie, thank you for looking UP...by doing so, you see the possibilities that exist for making others happy, for remembering what is important, and for having the faith that "THEY ARE DANCING"..yes they are. Yes, our loved ones are rejoicing in the freedom of life, life FOREVER.....we are the ones that have to wait for the real party.....I so hope you receive your order soon. My experience with shipping the slightest thing to Canada has been a LONG WAIT! I HOPE YOU ENJOY!!!!!!! LOVE TO YOU PINK GIRL! Anita

Rita said...

What a touching post full of love and memories; you did a fantastic job to honour your family. Sending happy vibes your way.. et la vie continue.
Rita

Beverly said...

Claudie, this is the most wonderful tribute to your mother. I keep thinking of how thrilled your father must have been to see her coming.

Love to you, dear friend.♥

Val said...

'Have been thinking of you all weekend. 'Sending love your way. Your mom looks so happy and content in her pictures. She knew she was loved, for sure.

Hugs,

Val

Francie...The Scented Cottage Studio said...

Oh sweet Claudie ! I do not think we can ever be ready ... but what a beautiful mother and beautiful memories you have.
Thank you for your visit and your comments. I know you care for your sweet babies (cats and dogs) better than most. What I love best about you Claudie is that you are as beautiful on the inside as you are on the outside. (and that is very very VERY beautiful ! ) (())

Sherri said...

That was beautiful. XO

Cheryl said...

Such a beautiful post Claudie!! Very moving! Your mom was a very special lady! and beautiful too!! just like you! ;0)..

Of course you may borrow the picture of Grace, you and I..

To answer your question about Nouveaux Portmanteau.... As you know my cousins are french from Canada as well, and me having a little french in me, plus I LOVE all things french!! I decided to go with that. For me it means, a combination of old and new. I like to craft and being the antique person I am, I like to combine a bunch of old and new things together. get it?? lol!!!

Thank you again for sharing your journey with your mom, it was very special.. She is looking over you and smiling and still has that twinkle in her eye!!!

xoxoxo
Cheryl;-0

Annesphamily said...

I thought I would die when I lost my dad! But when I lost my mom, there are no words Claudie! It will be 10 years November 16th when I lost my mom! It is always a difficult day! I still feel the fresh pain! It never goes away!But your mom, like my own, was a beautiful lady. She is probably having a dance in Heaven! I always have to think of the beauty gracing heavens door and then my sadness melts away a bit!
I am thinking and praying beautiful prayers for you and yours!
Love and Hugs
Anne

Grace said...

I hope your mom rests in peace finally. SHe is with the angels. Grace

tracy said...

Your sweet Ma is in a beautiful place...I am sure just like you envisioned.
Blessings to you, and yours.
I work with the elderly...They are of the best people on this earth.
Grace

tracy said...

Your sweet Ma is in a beautiful place...I am sure just like you envisioned.
Blessings to you, and yours.
I work with the elderly...They are of the best people on this earth.
Grace

Betty Jo said...

I'm in a mess of tears! Your mom was such a beautiful lady. I'm so very sorry for your loss. This was such a gorgeous tribute.

claudia b said...

What a beautiful post. I lost my dear dad last year and I hope his path to the hereafter was the same.

thank you for visiting me, and the lovely comment you left, I LOVE your blog and am subscribing. And of course, fabulous name :D

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

I am so sorry for the loss of your loving mother.

FlowerLady