This is a tribute to my mother, Audrey. She passed away last month at the age of 93. As I write this on Easter morning, which was always a special day for her, I am reminded of everything we shared over the course of our life together.
My mother never used a computer, and she certainly did not understand online marketing. She grew up during the Great Depression in a small town in Missouri, where they didn’t have a telephone until she was in high school. By the time she had me, when she was 37, she had already lived a lifetime that I would never understand. When I tried to show her what I was doing online, the only part she could relate to was when I said that I was a writer.
Mother had always encouraged me to write, but I never listened. When I did decide to give that a try during my college years, I allowed others to discourage me. I should have listened to her instead. Last summer, when I brought a copy of my first book to her bedside in the nursing home, she glowed with pride. She had broken her hip in October of 2009, and lived the rest of her life in that nursing home. I was there several times a week, and someone was always telling me how much she talked about her daughter, the author.
As I reflect back on this past year and a half, I am thankful to God for making it possible for me to have both the time and the money to care for my mother. We were very poor while I was growing up, so it meant so much for me to provide her with everything she wanted and needed during the final stage of her life. Every month I would buy her new clothes, carefully choosing her favorite colors for brightly decorated sweaters and blouses. Each week I would do her laundry, and bring her carefully folded clothes back to her room.
We became closer than we ever had been during this time. I would spend several hours by her side, occasionally checking my email to see if one of my students had a question. Most people did not even realize that I was not at home in my office. Having time to spend with loved ones is the greatest gift of all.
I now have no more blood relatives who are still living, which is a peculiar thought for me. Many of my closest childhood friends are gone as well. I choose to think of this as a New Beginning, and I will live the rest of my life connecting with people and forming new lasting relationships. I believe that this is all a part of His great plan for us, and I will do my best to serve others by sharing the gifts and talents I have been given.
Please forgive me for not sharing this sooner, but I needed this time to grieve on my own.
Oh Connie,
Thanks so much for sharing this with us and letting us be close to you at this time.
I’m so glad you were able to present your mother with your very first book and see her wonderful reaction. She always knew you were a writer and here was the proof in black and white – she must have wanted to burst with pride – and so must you. Being part of this huge online family is especially important now and we’re all here when you need to reach out.
Much love
Heather xx
My 72-year-old aunt passed away suddenly a few weeks ago, in the middle of a church choir performance she was in. She was so healthy and active – more than any of her friends of the same age – and our family was totally shocked. It is very upsetting to lose a loved one so unexpectedly. I am very sorry for your loss.
Connie,
Having the time to spend with family and people we love is one of the greatest benefits of having a business online. Who really wants to live their life and at the end have it said about us that we loved our job? No wouldn’t it be a much better testimony to have it said of us that we cared so much for others…
Today is Easter think about this. Think about how you live your life. Remember that none of us are promised a single day. Live as if today might be your last…love like your only goal is to put others above yourself.
Jason C. Maxwell
Connie, thank you so much for sharing your mom, I related to so many parts of your tribute (I grew up in Missouri, and so did my Mom, and she’s never got much about all the various things I’ve done over the years except that I’m a writer and editor!), I’m back in Missouri now to be around more after many years in California, so your experience really resonated for me…thank you! abba
Connie,
Thanks so much for sharing this with everyone. Things do happen for a reason and they happen when they are supposed to happen.
Thanks to Internet Marketing you were able to spend time with her and bring her the things that made her life beautiful and happy for the past year and a half.
Think about how much you’ve received and given all at the same time and how much you’ve grown through that learning.
I understand what you mean about no more blood relatives. It does feel strange and it takes alot of getting used to but I can guarantee that you have many people who want to be part of your life and give you much in return for all you’ve given us. You can call on me whenever you want to or need to. I hope you know that.
As you said, this is a new beginning and today is the perfect day to share that with all of us. Thank you for that.
Terrie
Connie:
My condolences to you. I do hope that besides being an accomplished author your mother knew what a caring and patient teacher you are dear.
I’m sorry to hear about your loss, Connie, I’m sure your mum was so proud of you.
There is something truly special about caring for a parent, after the years they devoted to caring for us, and I feel privileged to have had those few last weeks with my mother as her life and energy ebbed away. I know this was an opportunity for you too to grow ever closer to your own mother and I’m sure this will be some comfort to you in the years ahead.
Though you don’t know me I’ve been part of your online following for some time now and I hope (as Heather has mentioned) that your online community can be there for you in the future as you are there for us.
Love and wishing you many many special memories of your mother in the weeks and months to come.
Marion x
Beautiful tribute. Your mother will always be with you as you make new friends, new lasting relationships, and new beginnings.
Dear Connie, What a wonderful story about your mother. You are so fortunate to have had so many years with her. My mother died when I was 13 so I know the value of a mother. You were wise to have loved and appreciated her as much as you could while she was here. The good news is that she is still with you and now all you have to is remember her and send your love in your thoughts. Thanks for letting us know and for sharing your story. BTW, I have plenty of family to share with you…Chakraliciously yours, Linda
What
Connie, thank you for sharing your feelings about your Mom. I’m glad that you took the time you needed to be with her on her journey….and, that you took the time to grieve. You deserve support from all us during this transition time and hopefully, our words of appreciationj and gratitude to you, will help you find ways to deal with your loss.
I’m sure your Mom is SO proud of you – not only for your achievements as an author – but as the powerful being that you are – as an author, a mentor, and an inspiration to millions!
Blessings to you as you move into this new phase of your own journey and remember, that you are LOVED and appreciated so much more than you know.
Linda Woods.
Linda Woods
Connie,
I’m fairly new to your online family but you’ve always shared so much of yourself and I’ve felt welcomed from the very beginning. Reaching out and allowing us to be here for you now is another way you show your strength and your gifts. I’m honored to be a part of your online family and truly appreciate all you do.
Debbie
Connie,
thank you for sharing this with us. I know you must miss her very much.
with blessings,
Christina
Connie, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I lost my father in January … he would have been 80 in February. Something about losing a parent makes you face your mortality … and remember your childhood. I wish you well and pleasant thoughts.
Dear Connie,
What a beautiful post, and thank you so much for sharing from your heart. It must give you a lot of comfort to know what a great daughter you’ve been. You’ve taken care of your mother so well. It takes a lot of courage to share your grieving, and it shows so much humanity. Condolences and blessings to you.
With love,
Marilyn
Blessings to both you and your Mother, Connie. Being able to spend the last year and a half growing closer with her was a treasure for you both. I lost my Mother several years ago, and was also fortunate to able to grow very close to her during the last 6 months of her life.
I have found that the experience continues to bring deeper insights and courage to live life more fully, and provides comfort as time goes on.
Perhaps those of us without blood relatives are meant to help a larger audience, as you’re doing so well.
I’m profoundly touched and grateful that you took time to coach me — a newcomer — during the past week. New beginnings are special times, indeed!
AudreH
Connie,
Thank you for sharing. Your lovely post brought tears to my eyes. I am sorry for your loss, but happy you had so many great moments with your Mom in her final years. I am sure she is continuing to look on you and all of your accomplishments with great pride!
Karen
Dear Connie: Thank you so much for sharing your loss. Losing a mother is a loss that has no counterpart, and you are blessed to have the closeness you spoke about. You’ve built a rapport with so many of your “client friends” (as I call them) and students I think beyond what you are aware. I know I feel like you’re extended family because of the true concern that you have displayed over time for us, your online students. I hope in any of your lonely times that the love and grace of them all flows in to you to support you. Again, thanks for sharing. Bravo that you carried on to keep us in the loop during this heavy time for you. Lindy
Connie,
I am having trouble seeing the letters on my keyboard for the tears! Thanks for sharing with us your sorrow and joy at the same time. Your mother is watching proudly over you from above. I have been working at my online business for some time now and with the help of you and your advice I am coming along slowly but surely and hope one day to be able to earn enough money to help my disabled mother as well.
Thanks for sharing,
Tracey
Connie-My heart goes out to you. It was unexpected sad news hearing from you today about the loss of your mother.
They are playing the entire PBS series of An American Family this Easter weekend here in New York. It has put me in mind of simpler times and how much I miss my parents.
Your email would not have been possible in those days…they didn’t have computers, smartphones, or Kindles. I, too, would not have become an author without my mother’s urging and modern technology.
Tears streamed down my face as I read your beautiful tribute to your mom. You are a testament to her love and encouragement. There is no doubt that she was truly proud of you.
I feel blessed to be in your world, part of your internet family. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers this Easter Sunday.
Máire
Beautifully put Connie, as you know I just lost my father on 2/25. This is my first holiday without him and I have thought of him often in the last couple of days. he loved Easter, also.
My father was such a positive force in my life and I miss that. He was in extreme pain at the end and when asked what his pain level was, he would always answer “I’m on Top of The World.” What a great legacy he left his family.
Thank you for sharing.
Billie
Hi Connie,
Thank you for sharing this news with us. Though you will definately miss her physically i can say from what you have to say about your mother that you shared wonderful meomories together. i am happy she was able to share from your success.
Though we are not your blood relationship but we appreciate you and see you as part of our online family.
This is certainly a new beginning for you. We are here for you as you have been for us.
Dear Connie,
I appreciate your courage sharing yourself so openly with us. It draws us closer to you. I rejoice in the wonderful relationship you had with your mother before she made her transition to pure positive energy. I am certain that energy still surrounds you. Although you may not have any blood relatives in your generation or older ones, I know you have wonderful children and grandchildren who are honored to be blood relatives of yours. I also feel that you will continue to have wonderful relationships with them, as you did with your mother. I am blessed to be a part of your online family. Sending positive love and light to you.
David
My heart and prayers go out to you Connie. No one can ever replace that special place in your heart/life like your Mom.
On 6-10-11 this year will be 2 years since I lost my Mother. And like you, my last blood relative of my immediate family. Only now, this coming 6-11-11, am I have a memorial luncheon in her honor. I just could not deal with it prior to now. So 6 weeks seems like a a quick breath to me. We all deal with things so differently.
I feel truly blessed to have found you on the net. You really stand out in the crowd of internet marketer’s as the teacher that really cares. You have a lot of people that not only care for you, but would be there for you in a heartbeat….just like you have been for them/me.
Your Mother would be so very very proud of how many people you have helped, and touched their lives in a positive way.
I bet she would love it if you wrote about your memories with her, as a daughter. Your writing skills are so so good. And think of all the daughters in America that would love to have a book like that to read.
One of your admiring students,
and now friend
gretchen jack
Hi Connie,
So sorry to hear of your loss. How fortunate that you were able to be with your mother and to do things for her, when she needed you. Fortunate, too, that she died peacefully in her sleep. For the past year, I’ve been helping my own mother cope and deal with both breast and urinary cancer. And you’re right, spending time with loved ones is the greatest gift of all.
As part of your online community, I know I’m one of many who appreciate the fact that you share so much of your gifts and talents with us.
Thank you for connecting and sharing your tribute to your mother.
Barb
Hi Connie,
I am very sorry for your loss and I appreciate the fact that you needed to grieve before you could post.
Your post brought tears to my eyes as I remember my fathers passing April 19th a year ago. Like your mom, he did not understand what I did on the computer, but he loved the fact that I could spend lots of time with him during his final 1year. Because I worked online I had the freedom of working anywhere there was an Internet connection. It was truly a blessing to be there with my mom and sister when he went on to Heaven.
Thank you again for sharing
Lauren
Connie,
I am truly sorry to hear about your mother. Being an only child, I am close to my parents – and watching them go through health issues the past couple of years has been extremely hard.
It is truly a blessing that you were able to spend some quality time with your mother. I’m sure it was as special to her as it was for you.
Thanks for sharing this with us and know that your “extended family’s” prayets are with you!
Judy
Connie,
My condolences on the loss of your Mother. I want to thank you for sharing this difficult personal life event with all of us.
I know from the way you speak of your Mother that she, although she may not have understood a lot about your business, was a Mom that was bursting with pride from the accomplishments of her daughter. Aside from your business I know your Mother was grateful that she raised a wonderful, caring and giving daughter that has genuine character traits that will never diminish and will forever continue to help other people both online and off.
Those gifts from your Mother will continue to shine and they will always be a part of her with you. Please should you ever have the need for a caring and understanding shoulder to talk or cry upon do not hesitate – know that I will gladly be there for you and I know many others feel the same way.
As my Grandmother that I loved with all my heart used to always tell me both as a child and as adult, “Some Bunny loves you.” It was an expression I heard form her all her life and is especially meaningful on this day. Connie, please know you have a lot of “Bunnies” that love and appreciate you. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Connie thanks so much for sharing this with us. I send my heartfelt sympathy and kindest thoughts. I know your Mom is looking down on you with pride and love.
Dear Connie,
Thank you for sharing this. It’s ironic that I received your email at this time as I was with a friend this afternoon who told me about a friend of hers whose mother had passed away recently and quite suddenly. Her son was saving up and planning a surprise visit to see her next year. Instead, he will be returning home for her funeral.
I’m so happy for you that your lifestyle enabled you to spend time as much time with your mother as you have over the past months and that through your teaching you will continue to enable others to spend more quality time with those they hold dear.
Best wishes
Nickolove xxx
Dear Connie,
Thank you for sharing with us – I echo the responses of so many here…and there ARE SO Many here – you have already made such a beautiful, heart-full community.
I want to acknowledge too, the magnitude of what you have experienced with your mother’s physical passing. And the magnificence of your caring and connection with her as you’ve shared with us has added Love and Light to the world – thank you again.
With Great Appreciation for You and Your Work,
Alisa Rose
One “Metal” Bunny (this is the Metal Rabbit Year of the Chinese Horoscope and I am one of them!)
Connie,
My condolences and deepest sympathy at your time of loss, and on this special holiday with all it’s memories.
Lauren
Connie,
How kind and thoughtful you are to share your deepest grief online with those who (mostly) have not meet you in person but feel a deep connection to you. This is due to your sharing and out-pouring of love and compassion.
May God give you strength through your time of need.
Yes Connie, it is a new beginning for you, looking forward to being with you on this magnificent journey of ours. Holding you and your mother in my thoughts and my prayers.
Dale
Hi Connie
It is a sad day when your Mom passes away. I know the feeling all to well,
It is so great that your new lifestyle, career, has provided you with the time and money to be able to do the things we all hope we can do when loved ones need our help and our time.
You are truly blessed to have been able to get closer to your Mom when she was in need. You brought smiles and pride to her. And you were able to give back to your MOM that is truly beautiful.
God bless you Connie, you are a speciial person, and your MOM did a great job brinigng you up, I salute her, and I thank you for being such a great teacher , You are unselfish and real.
I was at BIG SEMINAR 13 and saw you on stage when you won Armons contest and got that big check . I knew that day after hearing your story that I wanted to get to know you and lean from you.. I am doing that now.
I feel that I know you even though we never talked in person, you have a way of making people feel at ease with your teachings..
As each day passes the hurt lessens a bit, but at least you have some great memories of your life with Mom And your Mom was lucky to have a unselfish daughter like you.
She must have beena very special person as well
Jim
Dear Connie,
While we go through many transitions, losing Mom is a difficult one. From a strictly business side, I marvel at how well you have continued to write to us and provide training seminars all through this period. A great example of service. From the personal side, I extend my sympathy and love. Blessings upon you. Richard
Thank you so much for sharing that with us Connie. I can relate to how great it is to be able to spend that last part of your Mothers life close to her side. This is something that a lot of people cannot do and many do not even realize what a blessing they are missing by not being there!
This was truly one of the best parts of my adult life, being able to share that last part of my parents life with them.
Thank you again, your online family is surely behind you, loves you and truly cares about what you are going through!
Joyce
Connie, thank you for sharing this intimate part of your life with us. I am thankful that you finished your ‘real book’ in time for Audrey to hold it in her hands. I am thankful that you were about to spend so much time with her. I am thankful that you felt the pride she had in you.
My love and prayers for your comfort go out to you.
Donna
Connie, what a lovely tribute! Thank you for sharing it with us. I lost my 90 year old dad two years ago, and my mother two years before that. While they both died of cancer, my wife and I were so grateful that they died peacefully and that we were able to be at their bedside. Their strong faith was a great strength to them and to us.
I suspect your New Beginning started some time ago, Connie. That you were able to care for your mother the way you have, and care for your online family the way you have is testament to that. My God continue to give you strength and vision as you continue to serve others – there is nothing more rewarding.
It is a privilege to know you
Grace and Peace
John Roulston
We understand about not sharing sooner, it’s a private matter, not everything needs to be shared, it needs to happed when you’re ready. All the best and remember we appreciate you as much ( if not more) as you do us.
To the wonderful online family you have here!
Blessings,
Tina
Connie, I grieve for the loss of your beloved mother.
I remember your talking about her reaction to your published book.
What a wonderful thing that she was able to share in that joy with you!
I appreciate your sharing your story with us.
You were such an amazing daughter to her.
I’m sure she felt your love deeply and cherished the extra time
you spent with her at the nursing home.
Sending you love and prayers as you heal from her passing on.
Suzanne
Thank you for sharing your loss with us, but also the pleasant memories you made with your mother, especially during the period she was in the nursing home. I’m so happy for you that you took this time to get closer to her, and also that you had the opportunity to do so.
Being able to have your mother with you until she was 93 was indeed a blessing. My mother passed away when she was almost 92 and I was a ‘very late’ baby as well. I sympathize and empathize with you, but also I’m happy for you that you were able to have her living with you until she had to live at the nursing home.
To summarize Jesus’ words about Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, ‘She did what she could.’ That’s you, Connie! You did what you could for your mother. You will miss her, but remember that she knew you loved her.
Dear Connie,
Deepest condolences on the passing of your mother. You’ve written a beautiful tribute. Thanks for sharing. May her memories fill your heart with love and joy.
Warmest Wishes
Gitie
Connie, I am so very sorry for your loss. You have wonderful memories to draw from. My mother is 85 yrs old and we have get closer the older she gets, so I understand what these last few years mean to you.
Thank you for sharing this with us. We truly love you and your loss is a loss for us as well. You are in my prayers. God bless you,
Celene
Connie,
Thank you for sharing on such a personal level. My mother also was in a nursing home and passed at 93. Even though it has been two years the memories are like yesterday. Sometimes one of the hardest lesson in life is to learn that Mother does know best.
Hi Connie,
I’m so sorry to hear about your mom’s passing but I’m so touched to hear about the time you had with her and how you chose to care for her in the last part of her life. How wonderful that she got to see you become a published author!
I got the chance to meet you briefly at Armand’s conference in Atlanta last Sept. and feel like I have learned quite a bit about online marketing just from your emails and free offers. I would like to sign up for one of your courses when I can. My friend and I recently started a women’s blog and I want to add a work at home opportunities section to it. I would love to be an affiliate for you and promote your products to help women/stay-at-home moms learn how to have some independence and make money from home. But first I think I need to learn a bit more first! I will be checking out some of your books and courses. Thank you for all that you do!!!
Thanks for sharing this personal information with us, your online family. I am so glad that you were able to show her your book so that she could relate to your success. Mothers have such an important spot in our hearts. I am glad you were able to share those special times with her in the last years. You are in my thoughts and prayers this Easter day.
My dear Connie,
What a journey you’ve had! And what a journey we’ve had together for the past 18 months. I thank you for all that you’ve given. I know had your mother completely understood what you do, she’d be extra happy, because your life has touched so many others.
It is, indeed, difficult to lose a parent, but I’m so grateful for you and for her that it was so peaceful. Memories will be flooding your mind for a long time to come, and it sounds like there are some awesome times to remember.
May the God of Peace grant you Peace.
Love,
Jeanne
Connie,
What a wonderful tribute. Thank you so much for having the heart to share with us.
You’re in my prayers.
Love, Linda
Connie, thank you for gifting us with this extra special tribute to your mother. I like knowing her name is Audrey. I like knowing how your online lifestyle allowed you to spend valued time with her during these past few months. I like knowing you both had a wish come true when you became a writer, then published author.
It seems your mother was not only so proud of you, but your words are so proud and tender toward her also. Your grief is our grief – I know how much you miss her because I still miss my mother too – mother/daughter love endures forever.
Your New Beginnings continue your awesome contribution to our online community and our mutual respect for your authenticity. Thank you, Connie, for being YOU!
With warmest regards,
Debra
Connie, what a lovely remembrance of your mother. Sorry to hear of her passing.
Similarly my mother also broke her hip and spent the last couple of years of her life in a nursing home. She died just a few weeks before turning 93.
It is wonderful to have the freedom to spend time with loved ones when they need you.
So many things to be grateful for.
God bless.
Susan
Thank you for sharing with all of us Connie.
What a tender tribute to your mother.
I know I am so blessed to still have mine.
My prayerfull thouhts are with you
Linda
Dear Connie,
Thank you kindly for sharing such a deeply personal part of yourself with us. What a wonderful tribute to your mother. Please accept my deepest condolences on her transition. I will hold you in my thoughts and prayers.
At this difficult time, I wish you Perfect Peace, Profound.
Warmly,
Rondell Welch
Dear Connie,
Thank you for sharing your tribute to your mom. I’m sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing with us how you listened to your heart and created a business that allowed you to spend time with and care for her and the people you love. Thank you for embodying living your passions. You give so much and are a wonderful inspiration.
Love and blessings,
Elizabeth
Connie, thanks for sharing this – I feel so sorry… its always so difficult to cope with most simple things in life after such huge loss.
Good that You and Your Mother were blessed with peacefull death.
Accept my deep condolences…
Connie,
I’m sorry for your loss. Thank you for having the courage and strength to share with us this emotional time in your life. Your story is eerily like my own. My Mom passed last August, and my wife and I moved her in with us for the last several months of her life. Thanks to the freedom that my online business gives me, I was able to spend every day of that time with her, taking care of her and taking our relationship full circle. It sounds like you were able to do the same.
To New Beginnings!
Peace,
Bob
I’m so very sorry, Connie. I can’t imagine your pain. 🙁
Your mother sounds like a very smart woman who had your respect and love. Thank you for giving us a look at the amazing woman she was.
Wish I was closer so I could give you a big hug. Virtual ones just don’t cut it at times like this.
Let me know if there’s anything I can do to cheer you up. Maybe I’ll have to head to Orlando next month to see you after all – just to deliver that hug in person.
Much love,
N
Hi Connie,
Sorry to hear about your mother. It is allways hard to lose a loved one. However we should be grearful for 93 years of age.
My Dear Connie:
Thank you so much for sharing about your dearly beloved mother. I am so happy you were able to have success online and take care of your mother in a comfortable way. Even tough she did not understand what you were doing online, I am sure she was so very proud of your accomplishments especially when you handed her your first book.
As I read your tribute I got emotional as you reminded me of my mother who passed away in 2005. Connie, I am proud of you for what you had done for your dear mother.
Take care and Blessing to you!
Sandra
That sense of alone-ness is an eerie one I share with you and know well. Yet your mum lived to a “ripe old age” for sure, Connie, and that has to be as much a credit to you as to her. I’ll bet she was nourished just as much by your wonderfully dry sense of humor as she was by admiration and pride in the success her daughter has achieved, deftly teaching a global classroom.
Hi Connie,
What a beautiful tribute to your mom, and we know your memories are filled with joyful times you spent together. I lost my dad when I was 11, and my mom when I was in my 30’s. My step-dad is still here and going strong – in his mid-80’s – and I’m very thankful for that.
Sending warm thoughts and hugs your way,
Deb (and Mynders, of course)
Connie, there is something poignant and irreplaceable in the time we spend caring for aging parents. My dad died 6 years ago, and my mother, at 91 has vascular dementia but is able to still live at home…with a lot of help and support from her grown children. I just hosted Easter dinner at her house with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in attendance. Your post was a reminder of how precious this time is.
I’m sorry for your loss, and want to say that besides your mother’s pride in you as an author, I’ll bet she would not be surprised to hear that some of your best qualities are your down-to-earth help and advice, obvious caring and availability to all of your students and mentees. You are making a difference in our lives. I’m glad you’re taking care of yourself. Grieving has its own path and we need to honor it.
Love and light,
Janet
Connie, my deepest condolences and thoughts at this time of loss. I acknowledge you for taking the time you need to grieve and now for having the courage to share with others your feelings of loss. May Spirit walk with you and guide as you start this New Beginning in your life.
Blessings,
Judith
I’m very sorry to hear about your loss, Connie.
I’m a brand new member of your Family, but already
feel that I know you. Having already lost my Father
and having a Mother who is 90 years old, I can
relate.
Thanks for sharing your beautiful story.
Bruce
Connie, I am so very sorry to hear this sad news! I know how much you loved and cherished your mother! It is wonderful to know you had so much time with her and were able to be by her side. It is easy to see in your tribute that she was certainly proud of you (and you of her)!
I send you bug hugs with my greatest sympathy! I know you miss her and shall miss her daily for a long time to come! You can be with her and visit her any time you like by just closing your eyes and seeing her smile! It is hard to lose a mother, and age has nothing to do with it!
I love you dearly and cherish you for your big heart and generous nature. You have been my role model and very much like a mother to me for as long as I have known you. We may not be blood relatives, but I certainly consider you as dear to me as any other family member. You live in my heart and I have your voice (of both reason and aspiration) daily in my head!
Again, I am so very sorry for the loss of your mother! If I can do anything at all for you, I hope you will let me know.
xoxo
Helen
Connie,
So very, very sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing.
From all the messages, you can see that you and your Mom are in lots of prayers and thoughts. Your online community is your other family and is here to help.
Not having any parents around is a thought-provoking, introspective time. I know – my father passed away this past February (age 87) and my mother had died in December 2002 (age 77). As you mentioned, one of the greatest opportunities is to spend time with your parents at the end. So many do not have that chance.
We’re all thinking of you and your Mom.
Tom
Connie,
What a wonderful tribute to your mother!
To think that she had always encouraged you to write – and to see where you are at now – both personally and professionally…I know she’s very proud of you.
I hope you can find comfort in your many happy memories.
And as you continue to be the person you are – growing and giving of your time, talents and skills – I know you will always make her smile 🙂
Warmest thoughts, love & prayers are with you…
Arthur
Oh Daughter, look not upon the loss you feel, but rather on my love,
Knowing as the days go by, you’ll know my presence from above.
As my child I have for you, Blessings beyond compare,
I give you the gift of love, and an opportunity to share,
That those with whom you journey, will know Me through your life,
That you may participate in my gifts, to bring peace in place of strife.
No one can know the hour, a body will decide ‘tis done,
If you share the gifts I’ve given you, your life and mine are one.
Though it seems at times like these, you may feel at such a loss,
Remember if you will, the example I left you, of one who chose the cross,
That nothing that has ever been, is really ever gone,
That nothing every really passes, nothing is ever really done!
Share my love with others, that they will know your Source,
That the blood that runs through every vein, is connected in its course!
My child be blessed as you experience, on the path you choose to walk,
Love exposed through all my children, through their silence or through their talk.
Know My love is stronger, than any loss you shall ever feel,
Just as I sent your Mother to you, that you would know my love is real,
I’ve watched as you chose your paths, struggled along the way,
Let her experience joy in you, let her be blessed by you each day.
I had her hold your hand, as you learned to walk and run,
I directed her to teach you things, how to work and to have fun!
I heard her prayers as you grew strong, by the trials I allowed,
I saw her joy as you began, to find peace amongst a crowd.
You’ve grown into my blessed child, at direction from Audrey’s hand,
You know that it is through her love, I’ve taught you how to stand.
Cling to all that’s good in life, never wear a frown,
Love never fails, it never leaves, it never lets you down.
Connie, Connie, Connie, my arms reach out to hold you my friend, may your good memories be stronger, may they last longer, may they be the reason you continue throughout all your life, to live, love and share!
You know how I appreciate and love you dear Friend!
From My Heart to Yours!
Cheryl
Dear Connie,
I would like to also offer my condolences. I am sure that your mother was a very special person and I am so sorry for your loss. It is 18 years ago today that my brother lost his battle with cancer. We were so very close, I just couldn’t go to church or go to a funeral for a very long time. I would like you to know Connie, that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
I would like to say ” thanks” for all of your e-mails and information that you so generously share with all of us.
Sincerely,
Anita
Dear Connie,
I pray that God will work in your life to help you move through the pain of the loss of your mom. If you find it too difficult to talk about, there’s a wonderful free resource called GriefShare that sends a daily message for a full year. (Talk about an autoresponder series!) They also have community meetings at local churches. It helped me. You may or may not need it. It really helped my first Christmas without her. We all sat around and celebrated and cried, and it was great to be around other people going through a similar situation.
I remember meeting you almost one year ago – after my mom passed away. I was in Minneapolis taking care of her during her last days (which was so wonderful). At that point though, I lost my job because of it, so I started taking your online class. I have to say that I was a total wreck and didn’t accomplish anything, but am now slowly starting to come back to life. (I probably need a refresher.) It helped me get through just to have something else to think about.
Please accept my sincere condolences.
Shelley Luzaich