I came into work today and found a post from CaringBridge that told me that a woman I got to know last summer passed away as a result of her injuries from an accident last fall. She had held on for quite some time but has struggled of late.
When I opened the announcement, I was moved to tears.
Below is the letter written by her family. She will be missed by everyone who she made laugh.
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Our best friend, wife and mother went to fly with the angels upon the setting sun last night. It was the most amazing thing we have ever seen, even beyond what we expected of her. In true Mom fashion, she went on her own terms, in her own way, and far beyond predictions. Though our hearts are heavy with sadness, we could not have asked for more.
She held on for us, and though we all knew she wanted to go, and told her it was ok, as long as we were in the room, she held on. We waited with her for a long time, sharing family stories and our last special moments with her. We stepped out of the room to have a quick family discussion for only moments. When we came back in, Mom was trying to slip away, but we interrupted her, and so, she held on for a long while more. Finally, we realized what it was she was waiting for. We said our goodbyes and left her and Dad alone. When we came back into the room a short time later, Dad was sleeping, holding mom in bed, and she was sleeping peacefully, too. Dad said he had told her that he was going to crawl into bed with her and talk awhile. Then, he told her he would just hold her quietly and rest with her. She waited for that moment, and when she heard Dad's slow, steady, and comforting breaths of sleep, she slipped away, peacefully, beautifully, and in her husband's loving arms.
For the first time in five months, she looked peaceful and more like the mother we have all known our whole lives. She looked like an angel. Though it was the hardest moment of our lives, it was also beautiful because it was so Mom. That was her gift, and we will never forget it.
Lovingly,
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3 comments:
How sad and amazing! My condolences to the family.
What a beautiful story. Thanks for sharing it.
Lisa's friend Blanche just died yesterday. She did more in the last 5 years than most people do in a lifetime. Her last breath was in the hospice house she helped design and build, being cared for by Befrienders she trained.
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