Saturday, March 4, 2017

Saying goodbye...


It has been a difficult two weeks...


Mom was diagnosed with lung cancer 
which had metastasized into her lymphatic system.
She went down hill pretty fast.

 My sister and I took care of her in her home 
until we could no longer provide the comfort that she required 
We had her moved into Hospice where she got excellent care 
from a staff that specialize in end of life treatment.


It has been a very emotionally charged time for all of our family.


I had to dig very deep to find strength and energy...


On the wall in mom's room at Hospice
an inspiring reminder...


Yesterday, 
on my 62nd birthday
 Mom slipped away...


She died with dignity
and is now free from pain and suffering.

She leaves a huge hole in our lives and will be missed...

177 comments:

Patricia said...

Oh Leslie, I am so sorry to hear this! Your mum has been a lovely presence on your blog, I always loved to hear about how you and your sister would take her out for afternoon tea and shopping expeditions. I wish you and your family all the best as you make your way through the next difficult days, weeks and months.

cj said...

So very sorry for you and your family. You seem like someone with great resilience, I wish for you time to grieve and heal.

Jane M. said...

So sorry for your loss. Will keep you and your sister in my thoughts. We never know how strong we are until we must. Take care.

Kris & Brian said...

Leslie, I am so sorry for your loss; the death of a parent is a hard thing to bear. The strength and love of your family will help ease the sense of loss. You are such a thoughtful person, I am sure you will always have loving memories of the wonderful times you shared with your Mother.

Unknown said...

Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss.

Sue @ A Colourful Canvas said...

So very sorry for your loss Leslie.

LPC said...

All my thoughts to you, Leslie.

DaniBP said...

Leslie I'm so very sorry for this loss. It is such a painful one. I knew your dear Mom was ill of course but this did happen very very fast. Having a tear for you now my friend and wishing I could give you a hug. I'm so happy you were there for your Mom at the end and that she had hospice care which is so expert at this time of life. Sending love to you and your whole family.

Janet Eiffel said...

You are loved in many places, in many ways,
by so many people. Some who only know
you from these blog pages. And still we
feel we know you. Hold fast.

NancyDaQ said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. I hope your memories will strengthen you in the days ahead.

christy said...

So sorry to hear of your loss. It's hard when a loved parent dies but I am sure that the lovely memories will sustain you as you go through the grieving process. Take care.

Paula said...

To you and all your family, my deepest sympathies.

Kathy said...

Leslie, I am so very, very sorry. Thinking of you and your family at this very sad time.

Anonymous said...

So so very sorry to hear this I've been AWOL and was just catching up with IG when I read your post.
Tabitha

Jo-Anne said...

So sorry to hear about your Mum. It sounds like she went with much love and comfort and dignity.

Marsha said...

I am very sorry to hear this, but know that so many of us have had the same experience and that you will heal but never forget, and your memories, oddly enough, will become stronger and deeper.

Sydney Shop Girl said...

Leslie, I am so very sorry to hear about Mother. I don't know what else to say except that I wish you and your family love and strength in this time of sadness. May your Mother go well and be free now of her earthly pain and suffering.

SSG xxx

Anonymous said...

My most sincere sympathy, I read your blog with anticipation and love all your comments about your lovely home, neighbourhood and shopping/outings with your Mom. May those cherished memories continue to support you throughout the coming difficult times.
Paulette/Winnipeg

Anonymous said...

Your mother's legacy lives on in her children, your children and grandchildren. Wishing you emotional strength, Leslie, at this difficult time. Melx

Unknown said...

Dear Leslie I have followed your blog for years and recently on Instagram, so I know your mother was a huge part of your life. I wish you the best in your grieving and healing process. Charlotte in Kentucky

BuffaloGal said...

Oh Leslie, it is such a difficult passage- to lose one's Mom. Take care of yourself. I wish you comfort and peace.

Lorrie said...

Leslie, I am so very sorry for your loss. It's good that you were able to be of so much help and comfort to her. I pray for comfort and strength during this oh, so difficult time. May you find comfort in the love of your family.

Anonymous said...

For years I have been what may be called stalking your blog in silence. Never
easy to lose a parent. My heart breaks for you..Kind regards Linda USA

LadyJicky said...

I am so sorry for your loss.

Anonymous said...

My condolences on your cherished mother's passing. You must feel stunned. I hope that the beauty you find in nature and everyday things helps to sustain and comfort you while you adjust to your and your family's loss.
Mary

Madame Là-bas said...

I'm sorry for your loss. You and your sister will have happy memories of lunches and shopping trips with your mother. Take care of yourself in this grieving time.

Martha K said...

So very sorry for your loss. It is so very hard to lose a parent especially so quickly. No matter how old you are they leave a big hole in your life. Take the time and space you need to grieve. Remember the good times and take good care of yourself.

Lost Roses said...

Leslie, I rarely comment but read you faithfully. I am so sorry to hear of your mother's death. I also enjoyed reading about your sojourns with her and marveled that you still had your mother in your life. My mother died when I was a child so your descriptions of your times with her were always so meaningful to me. Unfortunately I've recently been diagnosed with lung cancer which has metastasized. I hope I have the dignity and grace your mother had at the end. Be strong, and know that my thoughts are with you. ~ Lost Roses

Unknown said...

Leslie: So very sorry for your loss. I will be praying for you and your family. I agree with another of your fans: I will miss the posts you shared on your blog about the outings with your mother. I wish I had that with my mother but it's okay; I'm still grateful she is still with us. Lamar from Texas, USA

rebecca said...

I send my heart-felt sympathy. Although I don't know you in person, having experienced my mother's death (also in a Hospice facility) last August, I know some of the emotions I felt.... What a bittersweet date for her to pass. I pray for your peace and healing. Be gentle with yourself.

stacey said...

Please accept my sincere condolences. Whenever you wrote about spending time with your mother, I was always so happy for you and it reminded me of the things my mother and I enjoyed together.

Anonymous said...

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers!
Katen

Anonymous said...

Like a previous comment I liked to hear about you taking your mother out. I am sorry
to hear of your loss. You will have lots of people around the world thinking of you.
Sending my sympathy from Australia.

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry to hear about your loss, which is similar to the experience I had with my own mother years ago. Having followed your blog for some time, I envied you all the time you spent with her, and can see how much you enriched each other's lives, so satisfying to look back on during this period.

Dana said...

I am so very sorry for your loss. I also liked reading posts about your mom. She seemed like such a lovely woman who raised a very kind, thoughtful, and caring daughter. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. May you find peace and comfort during this difficult time.

Michelle Chun LeRoy said...

Leslie, thank you for such a graceful post. Sending you and your family the warmest wishes.

Priscilla said...

So sorry for the loss of your beloved Mother. What a gift to have had her for 62 years, leaving you a legacy of memories to comfort you.

Anonymous said...

"My mother is a never ending song in my heart of comfort, happiness, and being. I may sometimes forget the words but I will always remember the tune."

My sympathies to you.

Carol said...

So sorry that you're joining the sisterhood of women who have lost their mothers. You'll find yourself saying "I'll ask mom about that" and realizing that you no longer can. Or you'll think of something you should have told her before she passed on. Please be assured that you've been the perfect daughter for her and that your relationship never ends. Blessings, dear.

Anonymous said...

I sm so sorry for your loss,Leslie
My thoughts are with you
Dottoressa

Margie from Toronto said...

So sorry to hear this but glad to know that she is free of pain now and died with such dignity - hospice workers are worth their weight in gold.
I hope that you and your sister can continue to comfort each other at this sad time and that you will be a strength to each other. Take care.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis..not all lung cancers are fatal.
I hope you get the best of care and have lots of love and support as you walk this path.

Anonymous said...

You don't know me, but my heart aches for you but my hope is that the peace that surpasses all understanding soon floods your soul and eases your grief and that your personal treasure chest of precious memories helps sustain you through this painful time.
Susan R

Seaside said...

For your Mum:

May you see the reflection
Of your life's kindness and beauty
In all the tears that fall for you.

From John O'Donohue's To Bless the Space Between Us

Unknown said...

Leslie...I'm so very sorry. Please know that you are in my thoughts.
Ali x

Anonymous said...

I am very sorry for your loss. My sympathies for you and your family during this difficult time. Elly

Kim Campbell said...

My heart breaks for you. It is so hard...

riet said...

I am a long time reader but never comment, but today I sent you my sympathy from the Netherlands. I feel your pain. My mother, aged 95, died this week and today was our final farewell.

Intrepid Traveler said...

May you be comforted by the many loving memories of your dear mother that are woven into every aspect of your life. As you and your sister sheparded her on this path, the love you shared eased her journey. Peace be with you.

Joanna

Rainbowsandglories said...

Oh Leslie, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Your posts made me imagine her as such an elegant and gracious woman. My sincere condolences to you and all who loved her.

Anonymous said...

Dear Leslie, I am so sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. It sounds like you had a very special relationship with your Mom and you have been so blessed to have her for 62 years. I lost my Mom when I was 41 and I am now (just turned) 62, there still isn't a day that does by that I don't think of her and wish she were still here to go on all those outings with me. I am sure the last few weeks have been bittersweet. May you find comfort in your family and dear friends. Your Mom will always be with you.

Anna said...

Such sadness, but I can't help thinking that your mother somehow chose your birthday to be born into her new life, and this is her way of honoring you. You and your sister gave her an abundance of strength and comfort while she was leaving you.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

NancyO.

Ellie's friend from canada said...

I am a recent newcomer to your blog. Today, I am moved to tears about your Mother. She will be with you in many ways. When I am in my Mother's garden (now mine), I feel her presence. I know that she is admiring her David Austin roses. Yours will be with you in spirit wherever you are. I am glad you had such a heartwarming relationship. That is a priceless gift. There is something awesome when our mothers, embarking on a new journey, depart this earth in peace and dignity with their family nearby. As the words of the Nunc Dimittis say, "Oh Lord, now lettest thy servant depart in peace". My sincere condolences to you.

Elaine said...

So sorry for your loss.

Anonymous said...

I lost my mom 13 years ago...I so enjoyed hearing about your lovely mother...tea times, fashion sense, and manners she taught you...thank you for sharing her with us. Condolences and comfort to you. Bridget

La Contessa said...

OH BOY.................Well let me wish YOU a WONDERFUL YEAR AHEAD!THis all happened SO FAST!Which is a good thing I suppose............no reason to have her in PAIN.YOU were GOOD DAUGHTERS............I loved how she handed out the JEWELS AND SCARVES..........of course you will miss her and think of her on every BIRTHDAY TO COME.YOU DID EVERYTHING RIGHT.
HUGS TO YOU..............ELIZABETH XX

Anonymous said...

Leslie,
As you mourn her passing and celebrate her life, my thoughts are with you. Long time reader of your blog. I lost my Mom 3 years ago.
"Who ran to help me when I fell,
And would some pretty story tell,
Or kiss the place and make it well?
My Mother
by Ann Taylor, English Poet & Literary Critic

Bev Romas (Parksville)

Anonymous said...

I am so very sorry for your loss. As a long time reader of your beautiful blog who never comments, today it was impossible to read about the passing of your Mother without letting you know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. And thank you for sharing so much of your life with us.

lovsjaz said...

From one Leslie to another...I am so sorry for your loss. I always loved hearing about your Mother's tea times and shopping expeditions! May she Rest In Peace and may you and your sister find solace in each other.

thepoutingpensioner said...

So sorry to hear of your mum's passing, Leslie. Your loved ones will see you through this difficult time. X.

Linda Pakravan said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a parent is hell.

Anonymous said...

I am very sorry for your loss and my sincerest condolences for you and your family. Thank you for taking the time to post. Suz from Vancouver

Mary Anne Komar said...

Leslie, am so sorry and sad about your lovely Mom.xx

Seaside said...

For your Mum:

May you see the reflection
Of your life's kindness and beauty
In all the tears that fall for you.

From John O'Donohue's To Bless the Space Between Us

Lily said...

I am so sorry for your loss. I have one sister, and we were with our mother when she died three years ago this June. I have only been reading your blog for a few months, and when you wrote about your mother I was always reminded of my mum. The love and care of your family and friends will sustain you in the times ahead, and the kindness of people you do not know well will warm your heart. Deepest sympathy to you and your sister and all your family

Anonymous said...

All my love to you and your Family Leslie...

Anonymous said...

Those we love are always with us - but of course they leave a huge void. Thinking of you, especially as you face these days after, when not so busy with caring, and emotions have time to surface. I’m glad that she didn’t have a long protracted ending. Take care - Tonkath

Anonymous said...

My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Susan

KSL said...

I'm so sorry and you're in my thoughts....

Duchesse said...

Dear L., So very sorry; such a loss for you and the family. Love endures, even as our hearts ache.

Sheila said...

Oh, Leslie, I am so sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. I loved reading about her on your blog, and I know how close you were. My deepest sympathies for you and your family, my dear.

Lori W. said...

I am very sorry for your loss. What a gift it was for you to be able to be there for her.

Sandra Sallin said...

Oh Leslie, my heart goes out to you and your family. Wish I had the words to help. Know that you are cared for. I think of my mother all the timeand it has been many ears since she died. Sending you love. Time is your healer. love, Sandy

Jan C. said...

Please accept my sympathy on the loss of your dear mother.

Metro Mari said...

My deepest sympathy You will be in my thoughts...peace be with you.

Cindy Olson said...

I'm so sorry for the loss of your dear mother. It's apparent from your blog posts how much you loved her and enjoyed being with her. She lived a full and rich life right up until the end – what a blessing! You will be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Diane said...

Dear Leslie, I have followed your blog for nearly two years, but have never commented. I was moved to tears when I read today that you lost your mother on your birthday. I lost my own mother this past December on my 66th birthday. I am so sorry for your loss, but know from your blog that you are surrounded by a loving family who will hold you up during this difficult time.

Noelle said...

I'm so sorry. I have walked this path and know the sadness and exhaustion you are feeling. You are on my prayers.

Kim said...

So bitter sweet to see the end of suffering but then having to say goodbye. Thinking of you all and hoping the happy memories will bring comfort. Kim xox

Anonymous said...

Another reader who has never commented but today must send you heartfelt condolences. Losing a parent is so difficult but I do hope you find some peace knowing she didn't suffer long and that she was surrounded by love as she made her exit. Thank you for sharing your story with us and know hat yet another reader is sending caring thoughts your way. Lulu

the gardener's cottage said...

my deepest condolences leslie. sending love and prayers to you and your family. janet

GG said...

I am so very sorry for the loss of your beloved mother! I have been a long time reader of your wonderfully realistic yet magical blog. My heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time and I'll be keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. Although the coming days will be hard please try to remember that “The heart is the only broken instrument that works.” – T.E Kalem. Please take care...

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you at this difficult time Leslie. When we lose our mother, we lose a part of ourselves. My mother died many years ago and I still miss her every day. You had such a lovely relationship with your dear mother - your memories will remain.
Jill

MOPL said...

Dear Hostess,

I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my mother over 20 years ago in my late 30s and had cared for her since my early 20s as she had alzheimers from when I was a child. There is not a day I do not think of her and remember her smile. Your mum was a wonderful lady and life is so fleeting , that it can only be see that every day is a bonus.Chin up

Lilac said...

So very sorry for your loss. I just wanted to say I know how you must feel at this time. My Dad has been fighting bladder cancer since November 2016. He's been in Hospice care since January 2017. He continues to go downhill; I know it's just a matter of time. I've been reading about your Mom and taking solace in your words and actions. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Julie said...

My sincere condolences to you and all your family. Be strong for each other.

Anonymous said...

So sad for you, Hostess. I always loved to read about your relationship with your Mother--there was so much love, admiration and respect there. Her influence will always be felt with you, and live on forever. Take care. Linda in BC

Jo said...

I am so very sorry for the loss of your mother. After my father's cancer diagnosis and hospice help, I became a hospice volunteer to honor his memory. You and your family will be in my prayers during this difficult time. Jo

Babette said...

I am so sorry for your lose.

daytripper said...

I am so sad for your heartbreak and loss. Know that people you have never met have been touched by your inspirational blog and are sending you courage, peace and love right now.

La Vie Quotidienne said...

I am so very sorry. This is such a sad and difficult time for you and your family. I know what an enormous part your Mother was in your life. One thing I have found about loosing those we love, is that love never dies, she will be always be with you in your heart and your memories.

My deepest sympathy to you and your family

Anonymous said...

Sincere sympathies at this very sad time. Hope you find comfort and strength from many happy memories of your mom and the fact that you could spend so much time and be close to her at the end. You were lucky to have her for so long. Mary

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss of your mom. Deepest sympathy to you and your family.

Sherry said...

I'm so sorry.. Thinking of you during this most challenging time. Bless you and yours.

Poppy Q said...

So sorry to hear about your mum, but I am glad that you got to say goodbye to her and be with her in her final weeks. She would have been comforted by your presence and love.

Julie

Anonymous said...

Dear Leslie, I am so sorry for your tremendous loss. I will miss hearing on the blog about your outings and teas together. I pictured her a very gracious woman. Perhaps down the road you will share with us here some special memories of her.

Dawn

Baronessa said...

Deepest sympathy,from Melbourne Australi

Ewka said...

Dear Leslie, so sorry to hear about your Mum. You and your family's pain must be immeasurable. Thinking of you and hoping that all the outpouring of love and support from your online friends and acquaintances helps even a small bit in the days and weeks ahead. Ewka from Australia.

Ronnie said...

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. X

Anonymous said...

Leslie, My heartfelt condolences to you on the passing of your beautiful mom. Hugs, Jill

kristieinbc said...

My thoughts are with you and your family, Leslie.

Pondside said...

There are no words, just thoughts of you and thoughts for you. What a good daughter you have been. XO

Anonymous said...

So sorry.

Sue

Patricia said...

Dear Leslie, so sorry to hear of your sudden loss. Thoughts and prayers go with you and your family. Hugs. P.

TARYTERRE said...

You have my deepest sympathy during this difficult time.

caitlinsgrandma said...

Dear Hostess, My thoughts are with you. No matter how old you are or how old she was the loss of your mother is a major life event. My mother died within days of my birthday in 1999. Hardly a day goes by still that I do not think of her and wish I could ask her something. But now the thoughts tend to bring smiles rather than tears. Best wishes to you and your family at this difficult time from Brisbane, Australia.

Marilyn said...

Deepest sympathy from England. We will miss hearing of your mother's outings with you. Treasure the memories.

Faux Fuchsia said...

am so sad for your loss, sending a hug love and prayers xxxxxx ps sent you a p m on fb x

Adele said...

She will always be with you. Not a day goes by that I don't think of both of my parents, who have been gone now for six and seven years, and I treasure those moments. What beautiful gifts you and sister were able to share with her: dignity, comfort and complete love.
xoxox, Adele

Anonymous said...

My sincere condolences to you and your family. Deborah

MaryB said...

I'm very sorry for the loss of your mother Leslie. My prayers are with you and your family.

Julianne said...

Im so sorry to hear this. You were a kind caring daughter. My prayers are with you and your family.

Donna said...

Leslie, my heart is with you and your family on the loss of your sweet mother. Sending hugs and prayers...xoxo

Jennifer said...

My heart is heavy as I write this. Our moms are our moms! My heart goes out to you and I'm sending healing thoughts to you. I hope you can feel them. Love your cozy blog. Jennifer

Lori said...

So sorry for your loss, take good care of yourself and each other....

Anonymous said...

Oh Leslie,
My thoughts and good wishes are with you and your family. At this very sad time.
Jenny Campos

CarlaHR said...

My deepest condolences to you and your family. May your lovely memories of the good times spent with your mother support you.

Anonymous said...

Dear Leslie, I am sorry to hear of the unbearable loss of your beloved mother. Sincerely, Marguerite

ScrapbookingButterfly said...

Sincere condolences on the loss of your very special mother...my thoughts are with you and yours.

hollybholly said...

Every day is indeed a gift and remember all those gifts she gave to your life. My prayers to you and your family.

Jill said...

I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family have my deepest condolences.

Anonymous said...

Your dear mother has entered a new phase in her life, and will always be by your side, as my Mom is. I know the two of them are having tea and cake with a touch of giggles.
You don't have to "be strong", take time for you and remember you are loved>

Taste of France said...

My heart goes out to you. It is so hard to lose your mother.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Thank you Tabitha...
I hope that your mom is well.
I will cherish the memories of my Mother forever and she will always be there in my heart. She had a good life and nearly made it to 90...we were so fortunate to be friends and we had so many fun days together that her passing is really hitting me hard...I think I will feel empty for a very long time.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Dani,
Mom was never alone after she got her diagnosis...my sister and I did everything that we could to make her comfortable and we held her hands as she slipped away...such a sad time but we feel relieved that her suffering was not prolonged.
Life will never be the same without her...she was a wonderful Mother and a dear friend.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Patricia,
The many wonderful memories will keep her alive in my heart...
she was a lovely woman and she will never be forgotten.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Thank you Lisa.
XO

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Thank you Madame...it is a very emotional time for all of us.
Mom was such a big part of our lives that we are feeling very empty and sad...her memories will live on in our hearts and minds...I cherish the years that we shared together...many fun times and lots of tea...she was a wonderful friend, mother and a stylish woman who modelled gracious living. She will never be forgotten...

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Mom was a remarkable woman who was very decisive and very much in charge. She had a smile on her face as she gave my sister and I her things...
I have many wonderful memories of good times and adventures that we shared...the emptiness that i feel will ease with time and I will keep her alive in my heart and mind until the day I die.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Thank you Janet...
Mom was a lovely woman and she gave so much of herself to us over the years...
it is difficult to imagine life without her.
XO

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Oh I love that quote...so perfectly poignant at this sad time.
XO

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Jill I do feel like I have lost a part of myself...
mom will be missed but I plan to keep her very much alive by cherishing her memory everyday, for the rest of my life.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Lilac it is very difficult watching those we love when they are ill...
I hope that you have a supportive loving family and friends to help as you walk this path.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

It's interesting to read your comment because I am planning to apply to be a volunteer at Hospice after we get mom's estate settled.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Thank you Adrienne...
Mom will be stay much alive in my heart and mind.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Bless you Pondside...
XO

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Thank you Faux Fuchsia
XO

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. It must be some small comfort that you were able to be with her and that she was well cared for these past weeks. Blessings to you at this difficult time. Jessica

Anonymous said...

Wishing you love, strengh and peace...

Renee

Kristien62 said...

I know it has all been said. I am so sorry, Leslie. It is merciful for her that the illness was brief, but that doesn't ease your suffering. All my prayers are with you today.

Unknown said...

Dear Leslie,
My deepest commiserations... I've never met you, but have followed your blog for many years, and feel a kinship with you. So very hard to lose a parent. I lost my beloved Mum in 2015 ( she was 93), and a day does not go by that I don't think of her and miss her. I hope you can get some comfort and support from your on-line friends around the world.
hugs, from Jan in Sydney

Anonymous said...

I am sorry for your loss. Carol

Anonymous said...

Oh no, I'm so sorry. I'm so glad you got to be with her throughout this heartbreaking time. Thank you for sharing your outings with your mother, I've always enjoyed them - you are a good daughter. You treated her so well. Please take care of yourself.

Warmly,
D.

Anonymous said...

I was away this weekend so I am late in sending my condolences. I am so sorry to read of your mother's passing. I know how close the two of you were and life will feel so differently for some time to come. As you can see, you have many friends and acquaintances who will be thinking of you over the days, weeks, and months ahead. Carol in VT

Kathy said...

My condolences on the loss of your mother and my thoughts for your family during this time of grief.

Francie Newcomb said...

I am so sorry. This is one of the greatest losses.

Redding Connection said...

Leslie, Our lives parallel one another in so many ways. Same first names, same ages, similar interests from pearls and classic style to books and lovely gardens. My mom died from breast cancer July 2016 on our 41st wedding anniversary. I was blessed to be at her bedside when she also slipped quietly away. It's been 8 months to the day since my mom's death. At times the grief will come when you least expect it. Today, was one of those days for me. I then read your blog. It brought tears to my eyes. You'll have some tough days ahead, and you will certainly feel the void. Embrace your family and friends, it'll help. Know that your mom's memory will always remain strong for you and your grandchildren will know of her graciousness through you. Deepest heartfelt sympathy and hugs from California.

Anonymous said...

I am a long time reader of your wonderful blog and want to say how very sorry I am to hear of the loss of your dear mother. After having gone through this with my own parents, I can relate to what you are going through just now. May the love from your family and friends help you through this difficult time and your treasured memories sustain you in the days ahead. Take care and be gentle with yourself.
Isabel

Anonymous said...

Dear Hostess, I am so sorry for the loss of your dear Mum. I've so enjoyed reading your posts about the adventures you and she had - a special mother. Sending thoughts and prayers that you, your sister and your family find strength and comfort together in the coming days. Diane in Michigan

gwenrob said...

So sorry for your loss.. take time to heal and remember.

Carol said...

Very sorry to hear about your loss, it was always lovely to read about you, your sister and your mother always ensuring that you always made time for each other and regularly went out to lunch. so you will have lots of lovely memories.

awhiterockgarden said...

So sorry for your loss. You were very faithful.

the veg artist said...

So sorry for the pain and grief that you are going through. Kinder for your mother that it was brief, though. The support from you and your sister would have shown her what a great job she did in raising you.

Rosie said...

So very sorry to hear about your mum Leslie ..condolences to you and your family. I've always enjoyed hearing about her over the years and your close and loving relationship with her.I really admired how she maintained her independence and interest in things, as did my mum. She was obviously a very special lady ...
Take care
Rosie

Susan said...

Dear Leslie, I am so sorry for your loss. Peace and love.

ildiko said...

My dear Hostess, My heart goes out to you. I am so sorry for your loss! praying for you and your family to find peace. Lots of love, Ildiko

Joan said...

Dear Hostess,
Heartfelt sympathy to you and yours in this time of loss. May the lovely memories of your mother and love of family and friends give you comfort and peace. Blessings.

djo said...

Your description of your mother's leave-taking of this world, and the last phase of your time together, has provided a glimpse into the closeness of your bond. Like the cycle that life truly represents, her passing on your birthday seems symbolic in the deepest sense of mother-daughter bond. You are fortunate to have such a lovely relationship. I send compassion for your loss and a reminder to take the time you need to process this important life event. Thank you for your generosity in sharing this experience. Love from Austin.

deeds said...

Such joy reading your blog as you and sister would take your Mom out to lunch or shopping or whatever...Perhaps a ...bit of jealousy that you had the privilege of her company..still......Unfortunately, you have joined the sorority of us who are no longer so blessed to have this special presence in our lives...And I send you my most sincere condolences as you join us...Step by step...day to day...One day it does become easier...
Dianne

Anonymous said...

Sending love and prayers and hugs. I understand how you feel; lost my mother at 7.

galant said...

So sorry to learn of the death of your beloved mother, and on your birthday. Sending you my condolences.
Margaret P

Celeste said...

Oh my dear, I truly sympathize with your loss. I pray that in time the pain eases and you can enjoy the memories you have of your mother.

Celeste

Mardel said...

I am so sorry for your loss...

Unknown said...

I am so sorry for the loss of your mother, a most difficult thing. As someone who has been working for a hospice the last 7 years I hope they provided you support as well as the care for your mother. Your blog is always a bright spot in my day. Thank you for sharing so much of your life with us.

Anonymous said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am sorry to read of your loss...charlene h.

Unknown said...

So very sorry. Prayers for your mom and your family.

Polly said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm sure your memories, family and friends will bring you comfort.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss. I know how much pain you are going through at this time - I lost my mother in 2000 and we were close as are you and your Mom. I pray the Lord will strengthen you at this time and comfort you and your family. Barb

Kim said...

Dearest Leslie--I am just now reading this post and am overwhelmed with sadness! My heart breaks for you and your family. I pray that you will be blessed with strength and grace to get through this most difficult time. God bless!

Unknown said...

My heartfelt condolences on the loss of your mum. I read your blog often and always look forward to your photos and tales of your authentic and loving family.
Please take good care of yourself and smile when you think of her...💞
A fellow Victorian, Elizabeth L

Anonymous said...

I just read this and immediately felt a sigh within. I am so sorry for your loss. You add to my life immeasurably as I am divorced and childless. My mother made fun of me and said I had no common sense. Bless the mothers who bless their children with love, comfort, all that is motherly. I pray you and your dear ones move gently through this time of sorrow. Judy

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Judy,
I am sorry...about what your Mother said to you about common sense and that she made fun of you.
By your comment I feel that you must still be carrying these hurt feelings with you today...my wish for you is that you can find a way to make peace with that part of your past and move on...

Christy said...

Judy, I'm a longtime reader and never-commenter... but I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my mother to breast cancer on thanksgiving day of 2016 and the mourning process has been very peculiar, for lack of a better term. Some days I'm ok, and some days, I want to ask mom where we were heading on my first flight on an airplane, or whether I really should rip up that patch of grass along the walkway and plant more garden, or, or, or...and it hits me all at once. It is an unfortunate rite of passage that we all will experience if we are lucky (the unlucky ones die before their parents do). On a purely practical level, my sister and I are just receiving the scans of slides that we ordered via slidecafe.com and the quality is amazing. If you are facing splitting up family photos with your siblings, I would highly, highly, highly recommend scancafe so that everyone can have copies. We are paying several thousand dollars for our thousands of slides to be scanned, but I would rather have the photos than anything else in my mother's estate. Peace and love to you. Grieving is a process, not an event. Christy

Anonymous said...

Dear Leslie, I'm so very sorry to hear about your mother's death. You have my deepest sympathies. It sounds like you had a wonderful relationship and will miss her terribly. I feel I know you a little bit from your blog, and you once kindly answered my question to you about Weight Watchers. I lost my father 10 years ago and my mother 21 years ago and not a day goes by that I don't think of both of them at least once. Time heals, in my experience, and it gets easier. To me, you don't "get over" a loved one's death so much as learn to live with it. The more recent difficult time will be overshadowed by good memories. Let your family comfort you as you comfort them. I wish you grace and peace, Elisabeth

emma said...

I'm so, so sad you did not have more time with your mother.

SusanG said...

Oh Leslie. I'm so sorry. I had taken a break from reading several blogs -- yours included, unfortunately -- and have only just learned your sad news. I know how close you were to your mum, how special your time together was, how you looked forward to your visits with one another. Please take care of yourself. Hugs, Sue