In sympathy for your loss...those of us who live in faith know we'll see our loved ones again.  That thought is very reassuring, especially when the loss is so new.

I don't know you Jan, but I know we all (if we are lucky) blessed with one mother. I wish you joyous memories in the next few days and weeks.

Jan, So sorry for the loss of your Mom. Yes, as believers we know that she is rejoicing and free from all pain and care. What comfort! I have seen this video before, It is so inspiring !

Hugs, Ginger 

Our prayers are with you and your family. God Bless.

Jan - sorry for your loss...   I am certain that your mom is watching you and proud of you and your strength right now.   Know she is watching you and what a beautiful view to share together.

You don't have to be a fan of Oprah to love and appreciate that speech... thanks for sharing it

I just read through three of your recent blogs and couldn't decide which to comment on.  LOTS of good info for your local consumers.

Wow, thanks, that video is inspiring. 

I dont know you, but I am very sorry to hear about your loss. 

Here is a poem that brought me a lot of comfort when I lost my 3 year old nephew.

Dalia, Tara, Ginger, Trey, Desiree, Margaret, and Patti -  Thank you for your kind comments and prayers, and for sharing your faith.... when you get down to it... faith is the thing that gets us through it all.

Ginger, I'm hugging back!

Margaret, thanks for reading all those localism posts and making your encouraging comment!

Patti, I love ee cummings - nice poem!  I am also sorry for your loss, and I'm sure there is nothing that causes greater pain than the loss of a child. True healing comes in comforting others.

Much appreciation.

Thanks.  I think you will find, the hardest part is the everyday memory.  Whenever I see Spiderman or Spongebob I think of my nephew.  The same way anytime I smell Old Spice I think of my Great Grandfather.  But they are happy memories. 

What I love most about that poem is that it is about love, loss or not.  No matter where someone is, loving them makes them a part of you.

Good luck to you.

Patti,

I know what you mean. She loved that Estee Lauder perfum Beautiful and that scent is just "her" for me. 

Thank you for the inspirational blog.  I'm sorry to hear about your mom.  God Bless you and hang in there.

Kevin,

Thanks!  I appreciate your comment... I'm hanging on and the support of Spiritual Rainers really helps.

Jan, I am so sorry for your loss. The day your Mother joined the Lord was my Father's Birthday. This was the 1st Birthday he celebrated in heaven. My Father died in August. It was a tough day but as you know they are in a better place and we will see them again. God Bless.

Jo, I'm sorry for your loss as well.  Isn't that something...  your dad's birthday.  I know you have walked through a lot of emotions for the past year.  Thank you for encouraging me!

Hi Jan:  My heart is with you during your time of loss.  Moms are such... "moms."  My mom passed away in 1988... and I still miss her like it was yesterday.  Jan, you are and will be in my thoughts.

What an inspiring video you have shared with us.  I watched it once, then read the rest of your post, and then I watched it again.  I have also emailed it to my Daughter Robin to watch.  Thanks for sharing it with us... during a time that must be so difficult for you. 

The view of the sunset is just so beautiful.  It is so great to be in the presence of such beauty... and all you have to do is simply look at it.  Hopefully it will bring a hint of peace to you.

In reading the comments to this post, I read where your Mom wore "Beautiful."  I have worn that for perhaps the last seven years, until recently changng to Allure by Chanel.  It is such a lovely fragrance.  May you find memories of the joys you had with your Mom whenever that fragrance comes wafting your way.

I had never read the ee cummings poem above... "i carry your heart with me."  In reading it, I am not sure if it is joyfully tearful, or tearfully joyful... but it brought both tears to my eyes and a smile to my heart.  Again Jan, my thoughts are with you.  Huggs to you... take care...

Jan my thoughts and prayers are with you in this time.  This is probably one of the hardest things to do and yet you posted a beautiful tribute here.  God certainly does have it in control and the sunset looks magnificent.

Jan- All my deepest sympathy to you. There is a time and place for everything but that does not mean it does not hurt! Hugs to you my friend. Here is a poem that brings me comfort always.

Death is nothing at all.

I have only slipped away

Into the next room. I am I and you are you.

Whatever we were to each other, we still are.

Call me by my old familiar name,

Speak to me in the easy way

Which you always used.

Put no difference in your tone, wear

no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.

Laugh as we always laughed

At the little jokes we enjoyed together.

Pray, smile, think of me, pray for me.

Let my name be ever the household word

That it always was, let it be spoken without effect,

Without the trace of a shadow on it

Life means all that it ever meant.

It is the same as it ever was;

There is unbroken continuity.

Why should I be out of mind?

Because I am out of sight?

I am waiting for you, for an interval,

Some-where very near,

Just around the corner.

All is well.

Written by Harry Scott Holland.

Karen Anne,

Thank you for your friendship and prayers.  I know you understand where I am right now, but I am thankful for all these friends who offer comfort in "the rain."  I'm glad you enjoyed the video, the poem(s), and the sunset.  She wore that perfume so much that it became somewhat overwhelming, so I've never been able to wear it... maybe I'll try the Allure!  Seriously, thank you for your prayers and friendship... hugs back to you!

Linda,

Thank you.  Yes, He's got it all in His hands, just like the old song says.  Thanks for your friendship and prayers!  It really helps to know that others care.

Vanessa,

That poem comes the closest to expressing my feelings about "death" and continuing on with better than life than any poem I have ever read.  What a comfort it is!  I want to write it out and give a copy to my dad, hoping it will help him overcome his sadness.  He is in stage 2 of grief (1 is Denial, 2 is Anger).  Thank you for posting this wonderful poem... I've not heard of the writer before.  Thank you for your love and friendship, too (hugs).

Jan E:   My heartfelt and deepest sympathy to you, my friend.    The video lecture for his three children was a wonderful thing for him to do... thank you for sharing it with the rest of us.  We never know when God is going to call us home.  I know it must be very difficult times for you and if there is anything I can do for you, just call me.  The picture of the sunset is beautiful and a beautiful reminder of the life your mother had.   Here is a poem that pretty well describes my feelings .  Lots of big hugs to you, Jan!!

Loss of Mother Poem

Now that I am gone,
remember me with smiles and laughter.
And if you need to cry,
cry with your brother or sister
who walks in grief beside you.
And when you need me,
put your arms around anyone
and give to them what you need to give to me.
There are so many who need so much.
I want to leave you something --
something much better than words or sounds.
Look for me in the people I've known
or helped in some special way.
Let me live in your heart
as well as in your mind.
You can love me most
by letting your love reach out to our loved ones,
by embracing them and living in their love.
Love does not die, people do.
So, when all that's left of me is love,
give me away as best you can.

~ Author unknown

Jan E and Jan W:  What an awesome poem, and what a great way for our mothers and their love to continue.  This touches me deeply.  Thanks for sharing...

Jan W: 

Okay, that got to me!  I love all 3 of these poems that have been shared here, but that one really is moving.  Anyone who comes here to read this poem will certainly leave with a better understanding of genuine love.  Karen Anne's comment is so sweet and I'm sure everyone will feel the same way about it.

Thank you so much for sharing it and for your sweet comments and hugs.  Got kleenex? (big damp smile)

Karen Anne: 

We need a box of kleenex!  There have been cards, emails, online messages, phone calls, and good friends who have come by to visit and bring food, great friends who drove two hours (each way) to the funeral, and I'm sure a lot of other thoughts and prayers, but these poems and sweet comments from our AR friends just "take the cake" don't they?  Y'all know what that means out there in TX, don't ya?

Reading the comments on the posts is as good as reading the posts sometimes!  Thank you, K.A.!

I am at a loss for words...and if you knew me, you'd know that's a rarity.

Thank you for sharing the video, and I am so sorry about the loss of your mom.

May the Lord be with you.

Kim,

Thank you so much... your friendship and prayers mean a lot to me, and that takes the place of "words" any day! 

Just dropping in to check on you and give you a big squishy TN hug! Awesome poems and comments, great friends on AR!

Vanessa,

Isn't it amazing how much support we have all received from our AR friends?  Between friends in the community, church, and email buddies, we have received so much support, prayers, and way too much food!  I cannot imagine what life would be like without the friends LIKE YOU who mean so much to me!

Thank you ..... hugging back all the way from the beach!

Jan~What a beautiful person you are my friend and it's clear to see that through the love you have for your mom and her love of God that sunset shines brightly as a reminder to you all for peace and comfort. You have been in my prayers and you are in my thoughts so often. I hope your dear dad is doing OK, you had mentioned our extra prayers for him at this time. I left you a message and I hope you received it. 

Thank you for sharing so much of your heart with us and for blessing each of us in an amazing way. That video was incredible and one that forever will set in my mind. Big hugs to you and much love! 

Jan, God Bless you, my friend. I had seen the video when he gave it on his last class, but I watched again and cried again. What an inspiration! I would like to tell you it will get better, but honestly a day doesn't go by and that I don't miss my mom. I look at her picture everyday and miss her. I know we will meet again in Heaven and I feel her strength and believe in me everyday.

The love of a mother and daughter can NOT be explained.  

Jan,

Sorry for your loss.  My His Holy Spirit continue to comfort you.

Lucky :)

Jan,

I rejoice with you in knowing that your Mother is finally home with our Father. I also have sent both my parents home to be with Him. I miss them but I am also waiting for the day I will see them again. May He continue to give you the Peace that surpases all understanding.

Thank you so much for sharing this at such a difficult and emotional time for you. I am so very grateful!

That really is a beautiful sunset with a beautiful message.

Hi, Julie,

I just sent an email to you privately... yes, I am doing fine.  My dad needs everyone's prayers.  He is so sad, and the grief experience is very difficult for him... after 57 years of marriage. 

I am so glad you liked the video, and I hope you will pass it on to anyone else who may need it. 

I'll call this week to talk about the Utah seller............   thank you!

Missy,

I know what you mean.  I look very much like my mom did at my age, and people keep remarking how much her photo in the obit looks just like me.  Some people actually thought it was "me" when they glanced at the photo until they read the obits.  A little unnerving! 

I know you must have made your mom very proud and you will see her again someday.  I know I will miss my mom, but I would not want her to have continued to suffer as she was.  I believe she is healthy and happy in heaven.  I know the same is true for your mom, too.

Thank you for commenting and sharing from your heart here.  It means a lot to me!  God bless you, too!

Lucky,

Thank you.  He comforts me through many friends, like you and all the Rainers here!  So many cards, phone calls, emails, comments and way too many people who prepared meals for us.  I am so blessed!

Hi, Susan,

Thank you so much for your comment and sharing about your parents... and for sharing your faith here!  Yes, we will see them again.  Knowing that is the greatest comfort we can share with those who grieve. Thanks!

Diane,

Thank you for your comment.  I love your attitude of gratitude, and I am so glad I found the video to share here.  I hope it makes a difference to others.

Hi, Melissa,

Thank you!  I just could not resist sharing this sunset... I seem to be making a habit with those sunsets. 

Jan,

Thank you so much for sharing that.  I thank the Lord that he has brought you peace.

Jan, I found your post through a link and was not sure what to expect.  I have been so moved by the video and the posts by the people who have reached out to you to comfort you and each other.  This is not what one would expect in a real estate blog but it says a lot about the people who frequent it and are willing to share with others.  Thank you for sharing the video and your recent loss.  Along with the others, my sympathies go out to you and your family.

Pam Faulkner, Faulkner House Interior Redesign, Oak Hill, VA

The video was awesome.  Thanks for sharing

Hi, Tracy,

Thank you for reading and commenting.  I have found a lot of peace in the faith that she is no longer suffering, but in Heaven, healed and happy.  I am glad if that comes through in this post! :) 

Pam,

Thank you for reading and for your comment.  When I first came to AR, I thought it was only about real estate.  As I spent time reading posts, I learned that it is a network about the real estate professionals who are its members.  When you get right down to it, real estate is about people... their lives, their needs, their homes, investments, plans and dreams.

The amazing outpouring of friendship, sympathy, love and support that you've read here is the miracle of The Rain!  Keep reading, find writers you like and follow the links to the people who comment on their posts, subscribe to as many writers as you feel you can read through in an AR session.   As you grow some relationships, you will find that you are able to read through several of your favorites daily, and you will begin to follow, and eventually if you write about what you know and love (from the head and heart) then you will begin to lead and others will follow you until they begin to lead.  It's a fun place to be!

I am looking forward to reading your first post.  I am coming back to your page when you write to encourage you, too.  Best wishes for your success. 

Sonya,

I'm glad you enjoyed the video... feel free to pass it on.  Thanks for commenting tonight.