Celebrating Mom

/ 1 week ago May 22, 2023
Celebrating Mother’s Day with Rod, mom, and I.

The last few weeks have been filled with highs and lows as we navigate this challenging time for my mother. I’m very grateful for the time and flexibility to be able to stay with her and help support her end-of-life process. It has already brought joy, heart connections, pain, sadness, and growth. I continue to do my best to support mom, cherish her, and deal with the day-to-day details.

I don’t really know what to write, but I have lots of feelings. Really too many to process or put into writing. I just wanted to reach out to our community and let you know, that mom and I are okay, navigating her decline as best we can. It’s heart-wrenching to see and experience her decline, yet I’m amazed at her courage and perseverance.

My brother and I took mom out for a Mother’s Day drive and ice cream. She loves getting out of the house on the days she can muster the energy.

Mom, Katherine, Melissa, and Windy, left to right.

Then yesterday, a neighbor organized an early 90th birthday party to celebrate mom with the neighbors. Mom will be 90 in late June if she lasts that long. Windy has been an amazing friend, neighbor, and support for my mother. I don’t think Mom could have stayed in the house so long if it weren’t for all the help from Windy and her husband Pete. Thank you so much!

Pete, Ray, Sue, mom, and Katherine, left to right.

Mom seems ready to go. She’s tired of the pain and suffering, and yet she still is fighting to move forward and hang on to a little more life and time with my brother and me. We talked about how hard it will be to say goodbye and how Rod and I will be on our own. Mom is the last of our birth family, except for my brother and I and his kids.

I may not be very good at responding to comments, but I appreciate your love, support, and prayers. Feel free to pray for a gentle release from suffering for Mom, and compassion, wisdom, and patience for me!

Thank you.

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74 thoughts on “Celebrating Mom”

  1. What a beautiful thing you are doing, Brad, serving your mom this way. It’s a precious and soulful time (I know, from a similar experience) and I know you will always feel so very glad you were there. Blessings and prayers to your mom, and you too.

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  2. Thank you for sharing all that you’ve been going through during this challenging time Brad. I know that many can relate to the bitter and sweet the experience of supporting a loved one in their end of time can be. I’m right there with you in sending those shared prayers. May this time be filled with peace, gentleness, compassion, rich moments, and grace. It is beautiful to see you all together and your mom surrounded in love by all.

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  4. I’m saying a prayer now for sweet and gentle release and love. What a beautiful early birthday. I’m sorry for the pain endured. I’m sending hugs. Although we don’t know each other well, my heart is with you and your family. 💛🙏🏻

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  5. THANK YOU for this update, Brad. What a blessing that your mother had kind and helpful neighbors for the past many years! I will join many blog friends and acquaintances in praying “for a gentle release from suffering for (your) Mom, and compassion, wisdom, and patience for (you).” I very much admire that you and your brother are showing up for your mother during this tender and heart-breaking time. There is no way to escape the fact that all of us end up experiencing mortality — that of others as well as our own… Deep breath in. Deep breath out.

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  6. Good to hear from you Brad. I can appreciate that this is a very stressful and emotional time for you all. I’m so glad you’re there, cherishing your mother and making these lasting memories. Sending you all my love and prayers. 💗🙏

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  8. Mother’s love is the best gift we have in life and you are lucky to still be able to celebrate her day at such an advanced age. Those moments will carry you forever in your hearts. Greetings.
    Manuel Angel

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  9. Thank you so much Brad for telling us how things are. I am so glad for you and your Mother that you have been able to be together at this incredible time. I am sending you and your Mother prayers and magical hummingbirds to surround you both as she makes this last journey. Janet XX

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  15. Lovely to hear from you and news of your dear mum and family and friends that always seem to gather around one in these moments of new experience❤️ It’s a lot to feel for you now, so much contradicting senses, all for you to understand the wholeness of life! We’re all coming to a time to embrace the non physical and unknown… and mostly to realise death is indeed no end, but a new beginning for all the ones who desire to know more! It’s so beautiful to see you enjoying your family and your mum will stay around until she’s sure her boys are ok❤️ The love you and all your family (including WordPress) have now are softening her pain and supporting her in making this transition a celebration of love❤️ take care, breath it all in without judgement, only feel, appreciate and enjoy this special time🕺🌈 much love x

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  17. Thank you Brad for this lovely and wonderful post. So nice to see you, your brother and mom together. She sure is looking good. Will definitely pray for her. We are all there for all of you’ll. Lots of love and blessings. Take care and stay safe. The pics are so lovely.

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  18. You speak of the courage and perseverance of your mother, Brad, and these strengths are shining through you now as well. What a beautiful soul your mother has, and it lives and loves on with you and Rod. Love and blessings for you all.

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  19. It’s tough Brad….I remember when my mom departed and she was the last of our family. Dad was long gone, my brother departed when I was a teen ager and suddenly it was just ME! It is quite shocking and yes a painful journey but so rewarding when all is said and done. I was so thankful to have stayed with my mother until she died in my arms….You will find a great reward for your efforts that nobody can take away. Best of luck Brad and thanks for sharing. Blessings to your mom….VK ❤

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  21. Blessings to you and your brother as you help your mom through this challenging time for your family. Feeling super grateful for found family, neighbors like Windy and Pete who’ve helped your mom so much!

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  22. I love the photo of you, your mom and brother. She looks determined. I’m sorry she’s in pain and know how hard this is, having lost both my parents. I’m also thankful you have this time together for heart connections and thankful for her friends. Sending peace and prayers.

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  23. I am so glad to get to be there for your mother! I was lucky enough to be with my mother up until she passed from cancer. Although it was taxing, I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I hope that you enjoy what you can and when the time comes, I hope she passes peacefully. You helping her is no easy task and It takes a special person to do it. I wish you and your family peace and happiness. May you all be blessed abundantly.💓

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  26. I love the picture of you and your mom and brother Brad and all of the friends. It’s a beautiful heart felt post and you are doing an amazing job through the challenge and tears to honor her in such a beautiful way. I’m sure she is enjoying the time with you both, as difficult as it is. I am sending you so much love and patience my friend! You will never regret this gift of love and time💗

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  31. You will never regret spending these last days with your mom. I was with my mother as she took her last breath 5 years ago. May you, your mother and brother and family be held in grace and love as you navigate these last days and all the days that lie ahead. I will be holding you all in prayer.

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  33. It’s amazing how our bodies cling to life, but eventually the time comes to let go. I’m so glad you have this time with your mom, Brad. As hard and imperfect as it often is, it’s precious and an honor. She knows she’s loved and that her life mattered. Thanks for sharing a snapshot of her Mother’s Day and her Birthday celebration. I love the smiles. 🙂

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