Sunday, March 25, 2012

Leaving Home

This is me and my mom in June, 1973. My mom was 54 with curlers in her hair has she performed yard work, sweeping and cleaning in the back yard at our little cottage-style home in Lakewood, Ohio.  Later, she'd be going dancing with my dad as they did every Saturday night at the Slovak Civic Club.
I was 13.
Now she is 93 and I am 51. 


I'm still at my mom's side. Watching her as she enters the end of her life. 


We've called in Hospice Care and are watching over her, listening to her stories, and caring for her as her body declines and her skin and bones now move against each other without a layer of body fat to cushion her from discomfort.




She says to me, "40 years ago, I was 50, you're going to live a long life". I can only hope it is true.







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17 comments:

  1. Barbara BMarch 25, 2012 at 2:44 PM

    Those who are dear to us never really leave us. They linger on in our stories and in our hearts. (and in the photo!! I hope it brings you joy every time you look at it!)

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    Replies
    1. ChristineMarch 27, 2012 at 5:28 PM

      It does. Thank you for your words of support

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  2. judeMarch 25, 2012 at 3:37 PM

    i know this well, the stories are so good to have.

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  3. Velma BolyardMarch 25, 2012 at 6:36 PM

    listening and caring is everything. my heart goes out to you as you move into this time.

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  4. JenniferMarch 25, 2012 at 7:45 PM

    Thinking of you and your mom. Enjoy the time that's left and savor the stories.

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    Replies
    1. ChristineMarch 27, 2012 at 5:33 PM

      It's difficult time. An nothing prepares us for it.

      Delete
  5. ebMarch 25, 2012 at 9:08 PM

    what a beautiful image
    of you and your Mom
    our Mothers embody so much
    and we carry that in mysterious ways
    I too was 41 when my son arrived...

    savor - yes savor,

    xox - eb.

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  6. rozMarch 26, 2012 at 12:42 AM

    great shot of the two of you as you smile into the future together
    it is hard to believe, and perhaps to accept, that our parents leave us eventually ...
    but remain in our hearts and minds forever

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  7. Robyn AMarch 26, 2012 at 3:28 AM

    Thinking of you both! Great photo of the two of you smiling so much.

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  8. Missouri Bend Paper WorksMarch 26, 2012 at 9:53 AM

    This is the time when everything looms large.....the moments of a life and their place in the big picture....thinking of you and your family Christine. Hoping for a peaceful passage...

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    1. ChristineMarch 27, 2012 at 5:34 PM

      I can remember when that photo was taken as if it were yesterday. And yes, every moment now looms large. Thank you!

      Delete
  9. Marty and EdieMarch 26, 2012 at 11:28 AM

    Please count me as one of many of Bertha's fans. To think she is comforting you even as she is "going home..." Enjoy every last minute with her.

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    Replies
    1. ChristineMarch 27, 2012 at 5:35 PM

      OH Edie, I am trying to see her as a pillar of strength even as her body fails her. xo

      Delete
  10. PetrenaMarch 27, 2012 at 8:02 PM

    Oh Ms. Chris...I'm so sorry. This is SO hard-although the hospice people are a real blessing, and they will give you honest answers to all your questions- I think it allows you to 'pre-mourn.' So that when the end comes, it is not such a shock. Just a terrible sadness.

    May I send you a big, wraparound hug and prayers for you to be comforted? Not to be intrusive, just cuz you might need and want it. It's almost harder being the one watching them go than the one going, I sometimes think. But you're being there means a lot to her, I'm sure.

    Comfort and blessings.

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I always enjoy reading comments!

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