I received the inevitable yet dreaded phone call from hospice nurse Christine in the dark and early morning hours of Sunday, August 23, 2009 from out of state. My Mom after battling the final twenty one months of Alzheimer's had passed away. She was 86. I had
Lost The One Who Never Gave Up On Me And Was Proud Of Me Always.
Virginia (Ginny) Woltal fought the good fight with courage and hung in there with the ravages of the illness that is known as the "long goodbye." Not a pretty illness the last few years.
We had miracle worker round the clock caregivers at home that probably extended my Mom's bedridden life the last two years. Much gratitude toward them. Lots of advancing dementia all the way but my Mom from her bed when I would visit her would still squeeze my hand tight or a tear would come from her eye recognizing familiar faces.
Tears will be shed from her passing but more tears of joy will come from me from what she taught me about love of people, faith in God, and inviting people into your home in a friendly manner and serving them well. Mostly I learned to be happy in life no matter what cards you are dealt. It all works out somehow in the end.
My Mom was of that Depression era generation, remembered where she was the day Pearl Harbor got bombed and taught two sons and a daughter to stand on their own two feet and always treat everyone with courtesy and respect. I think I get my extremely clean speech which my friends marvel at because my Mom was such a role model hardly ever uttering a discouraging word, let alone a profane one. I know I get my stubborness, my sweet tooth, and my light heartedness from her.
Those you lose in your life in your innermost circle, the sting of death hurts the most. But Moms are very special to all sons and daughters. Think of the sacrifice of carrying you for nine months, going through diaper stages, and raising you through high school and perhaps college. My Mom and I had a strong bond, so much so I made a huge crying fuss as a 4 yr. old not wanting to let her hand go to start my first day of kindergarten. I think I wasn't listening what this school thing was all about and just wanted to go back to the comfort of home. Once I was reassured school was not a monster under my bed in the dark, I thrived.
My Mom, YOUR Mom, with death does not abandon you. They were a person in your life who was always there for you, never gave up on you, and ALWAYS was proud of you. That was my Mom, Ginny, too. The unconditional love and laughter in HER heart, has been in my heart for quite sometime. And I have been proud of her and loved her too ALWAYS. This physical goodbye for me is for today, but the spiritual bond will always be with me. Goodbye Mom. I love you...
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