Carol

In Memory of Mom #TimeOut #MissingMom #BloggingBreak #PersonalUpdate

Personal Update:
I’ve had a difficult few days. My Mom died today, and I need a blogging/social media break to take care of arrangements, travel (laying Mom to rest), and settling her estate. A huge, holy task in the near future is cleaning out her home that she’s lived in for the last 45 years. I’m fortunate to have a sister and supportive family members, but it’s a lot. We recently celebrated her 99th birthday! She is dearly loved and is desperately missed.

Missing mom words and graphic
Mom on her 99th birthday
Mom on her recent 99th birthday!

“Portrait Complete” by Ruth Graham Bell

As the portrait is unconscious
of the master artist’s touch,
unaware of growing beauty,
unaware of changing much,
so you have not guessed His working
in your life throughout each year,
have not seen the growing beauty
have not sensed it, Mother dear.
We have seen and marveled greatly
at the Master Artist’s skill,
marveled at the lovely picture
daily growing lovelier still;
watched His brush strokes
change each feature
to a likeness of His face,
till in you we see the Master,
feel His presence, glimpse His grace;
pray the fragrance of His presence
may through you seem doubly sweet,
till your years on earth are ended
and the portrait is complete.

48 comments

  7. Oh, Carol, my heart aches for you😢 My sympathies to you and your family. I went through the same thing eight years ago with my mother. Cleaning out the house is an emotional and taxing experience so be prepared.

    Reply

  10. Very sorry for the loss of your Mom. These times are never easy. May family & friends surround you with love & support.

    Reply

  11. Carol, so sorry to hear of this, your Mom sounds just wonderful! 99! and what a great picture. I take care of my 87 yr old mother right now by myself, and I dread having to empty her house, but fortunately, my sister and I have already emptied two houses for her and pared down the “stuff” to the small house that she lives in now. And she has not unpacked even a quarter of what she kept from the last house, so there’s that. But she has things that have been in our family always and I am loathe to get rid of them—we must find some family member willing to take each thing! It IS a “holy task”!

    Reply

    • Thanks! 🌹 it makes me want to go ruthlessly through my entire house! I hope you have many more wonderful years with your mother!

      Reply

  12. Oh, sweetheart, I’m so sorry to hear that. I know it is no comfort now, but later you’ll be happy that you had such a long time with her. May the memories of her always be a blessing!

    Reply

  14. I have been out of touch for a few days and just saw this post. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. May you take comfort in the wonderful memories you have. 🌹❤️

    Reply

  15. Carol, I am so very sorry for your loss. May you find peace and comfort as time goes on. Your Mom looks absolutely beautiful on her birthday! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

  16. I’m so sorry for your loss Carol. Losing a mother is one of the hardest things anyone goes through in life – no matter their age or yours. My Mum passed in 2005 and I still miss her desperately. Hugs, Lynne

    Reply

  17. Oh Carol, I’m so sorry to hear this. Losing a mom is so hard and when you are close to them, it is even harder. I know you will still talk to her and memories will leak out of your eyes for a time to come. Please feel my hug being sent across the miles. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.

    Reply

Leave a Reply