Tuesday, August 7, 2012

My Mom is at Peace



Today my mom gave me one last powerful and awesome gift.  I was there to participate in her passing.  I was able to tell her how I loved her, what a great mother she had been and how we couldn't have asked for a better one, how sorry I was to see her like she was and how I would suffer it for her, as I know she would have suffered it for me.

I told her I was going to start praying, and as I started, her breathing was heavy and rough.  She had just been bathed and it was very painful for her.  But as I prayed, her breathing became more regular.  My sister was there and prayed with me in the beginning, but she had some things to do and my mom's medicine to get ready.  As I continued, my mom's breath again became very heavy, almost a moan, and I almost called out to my sister to come, but after a minute or so her breathing became very calm and peaceful.

My sister came in with the medicine and remarked how peaceful my mom was.  My mom swallowed the medicine and I told her I was almost done, just another couple prayers.  When I was done, we noticed my mom was no longer breathing.  We were just awed at the timing.

I am absolutely sure this is the kind of death my mother would have liked.  I am so grateful to have been a part of it.  She was in her own home, listening to the prayers she loved the most.  She had no pain or lingering suffering.  She was lucid to the end.  She was so peaceful, we thought perhaps she had fallen asleep.  I feel good about my part, about arranging for her to see her beloved sister one more time and for praying with her.

Thank you all for the great suggestions for reading.  I was going to start reading next, but we never got that far.  Thanks for caring, and being there, for your kind words and thoughts.  And most of all, for the gift of yourself.  God bless you all.

71 comments:

Mark's Mews (Marley, Lori, Loki, and Binq) said...

"There is a time for love and laughter
The days will pass like summer storms
The winter wind will follow after
But there is love and love is warm

There is a time for us to wander
When time is young and so are we
The woods are greener over yonder
The path is new the world is free

There is a time when leaves are fallin'
The woods are gray the paths are old
The snow will come when geese are callin'
You need a fire against the cold

So do your roaming in the springtime
And you'll find your love in the summer sun
The frost will come and bring the harvest
And you can sleep when day is done"

Andrea and the Celestial Kitties said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. As great of a passing as it was, I know it's still a hard thing to lose someone you love. My heart goes out to you and my prayers are with you and your family.
I'm so glad you were with her and all was peaceful. Hugs to all

Sweet Purrfections said...

I am so sorry for your loss. I will be praying for comfort for you during this time and for peace that you know your mom is in a better place and is no longer in pain.

Paula

Katnip Lounge said...

All our love to you and your family. It must be a great comfort, to be able to say goodbye (for now) surrounded by loved ones. Your Mom's final gift works both ways.
Purrs and hugs,
Trish & the Cats

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.
COR 13:4-8a

Mo and The Purries said...

Sending condolences from all of us at Purrchance To Dream

Angel Prancer Pie said...

We will hold you close to our hearts during this sad time. Purrs, purrayers, and pawsitive thoughts being sent to you.

The Island Cats said...

My heartfelt condolences, Paula.

Sue (aka the Island Cats' mom)

Jasper McKitten-Cat said...

We are so sorry for your loss. Purring for you.

Cat said...

Please accept my sincere condolences, you are in my prayers!

Cory said...

Sending you love and purrs. We are so sorry for your great loss.

Summer at sparklecat.com said...

This is one of life's most difficult passages - purrs and peace to you.

Quinn and Angel brandi said...

Sending prayers and comfort. We are so glad you were with your mom and she was comforted by having her family with her. That will be a sweet memory for you always.
Blessings for your family,
Carol and brandi

GLOGIRLY said...

Dear Paula,
I'm so very sorry... I know how hard it is to lose your mother, but also how hard it is to see them suffer. I'm so glad you had a chance to be with her and pray with her. It must have given her incredible peace. And it's clear it's given you peace as well. I'm thinking of you and your family tonight...you are in my prayers. Your mother was blessed to have you as a daughter.
love,
Debbie
a.k.a. Glogirly

The Musings Of A Crazy Cat Lady said...

Dear Paula, I send you my heart felt condolences. I don't think I could say it better than Debbie. Your family and you are in my heart. Love, Stephanie., a.k.a., The Musings Of A Crazy Cat Lady

Gigi said...

What a wise and wonderful woman to have raised such loving and devoted daughters.

It's hard to say goodbye to your mother. Mine died 30 years ago and I still think of her often.

You're in my thoughts and prayers.

Angel MoMo and Charlotte said...

I am sorry for your loss but we all have to go at some time. at least you were all there with her and for her at her passing.

RIP

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

<<>>

The Furries of Whisppy said...

We are so sorry for your loss. We are grateful that your Mom's passing was peaceful and surrounded by her loved ones and prayers she loved. And we are glad you got to share all of how you felt with her.
We'll be thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. May you be comforted by the fact that your Mom is now at a better place and pain free.
xoxo

Tama-Chan, Benny, Vidock, Violette, Ollie, Heloise, Momo, Ryu said...

Our deepest condolences at the passing of your mother. But we also share your gladness as to the manner of her passing. To be surrounded by those we love and drift away peacefully is indeed a great gift.

Hannah and Lucy said...

We are so sorry for your loss but she is in a better place now and free from pain. She passed knowing she was dearly loved by you and is at peace.
Love, Sue - Hannah and Lucy's Mum.

Everycat said...

We are so sorry that your Mom has gone, we know how much it hurts, even when the passing is so peaceful. We send you love and comforting purrs and will be thinking of you

Oliver, Gerry, Mungo & Jane xx

Cats Herd You said...

We're so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Hugs and purrs to you and your family.

Alastriona, The Cats and Dogs said...

Our thoughts are with you at this sad time and we are so very sorry for your families loss. Purrs of comfort and hugs.

Brian's Home Blog said...

We are all thinking of you today as we heard the news about your Mom. We send you many, many hugs along with lots of purrs and love.

Brian's Home Blog said...

We are all thinking of you today as we heard the news about your Mom. We send you many, many hugs along with lots of purrs and love.

Fr. Tom Fish said...

Paula,
Please know our hearts and minds are with you today. Through sadness, you were blessed to have given your mother the gift of prayers and peace at her bedside.
Love to you all.

Julie, Tom, Mitty, Tinker & Anastasia

Marg said...

Paula, our thoughts and prayers are sure with you today and for many days. We are so sorry to hear this news and know that your heart is breaking. Please know that we are here for you and we are very sad for you too. Take care.

George The Lad said...

So sorry to hear of your loss. That was a very touching post. Its the way we would all like to go.
love and hugs
Jan, George and Tess xxx

Angel Simba said...

Of all losses, the loss of a mother is probably the hardest. We are so gad you were able to be part of a peaceful passing for her. Our condolences to you and other members of her family who loved her.

Poppy Q said...

I was like you, and able to be with my mum holding her hand as she slipped away. As you say it is a gift, and to know that the we were able to help the woman that helped us into the world.

Hugs and Purrs.
Julie and Poppy Q
xxx

The Meezers or Billy said...

oh Paula, I am so sorry for your loss. when my father passed last October we were at his bedside praying as well - and it was very comforting to us. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. - Mary

Fuzzy Tales said...

(((Paula)))

It's good your mom's now free of suffering, and had a merciful and gentle passing, though the loss will be heavy with you all.

Blessings, Light and Love to you all from me, and purrs and purrayers from the boys.

Kim

CCL Wendy said...

I am so sorry for your loss, but happy for you that the experience was a positive one in so many ways.

Not everyone is so fortunate to be surrounded by their loved ones when they pass. I'm sure it eased your Mom's journey and she'll carry that love with her -- just as you carry her love for you in your heart.

Your post had an overwhelming sense of peace. I hope this feeling will sustain you in the days to come.

Hannah and Lucy said...

We are so sorry and we know you will miss your Mom very much but we are pleased she is free from pain and in a peaceful place. Take care and treasure each and every memory of her.
She will be watching over you.
Love Sue (and Hannah and Lucy xx xx)

Jans Funny Farm said...

Paula, I am so glad you were blessed with such a wonderful gift as to be with your mother and to know she died peacefully. I pray you will be comforted and strengthened. {{{Hugs}}}
Jan

www.shelter-cats.com said...

Thinking of you and your family with sympathy and love.

Maggie at Shelter-Cats

Rene said...

My deepest condolences to you and your family. What a wonderful gift that you were there for her passing, and that it was a peaceful one. We will pray for you this week for continued strength.

My Mind's Eye said...

God Bless you and your family and our sympathy at the passing of your Mom but how wonderful you were with her.
Hugs Madi and Mom

Mariodacat said...

I'm so very sorry for your loss. It's never easy to lose a parent, no matter that age you are. May you find some peace and comfort knowing you did everytinig for her that you could, and that she is at peace now and home with God. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Terri said...

I am sad to hear she is gone so soon. She had a peaceful passing and I know that means so much to your family. Purrs and hugs from our house.

meowmeowmans said...

Oh Paula, we are so very sorry for your loss.

We are thankful that your mom's passing was such a peaceful one, and that her final moments here on Earth were filled with her favorite prayers and her beloved family.

Please know that we love you, and that we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

God bless you,

Kevin, Tracey, Sammy and Moosey

Connie - Tails from the Foster Kittens said...

losing a loved one is never easy, but it is a blessing you had such a peaceful transition. Don't forget about taking care of yourself during this difficult time as well. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Old Kitty said...

We've come over from Jan's Funny Farm. We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your beautiful mother. Please accept our sincerest condolences. Take care
x

Marilia said...

I don´t know what to say but I wish my condolences to you and all family.
Receives a loving and strong hug in this painful moment.

JC said...

I was hoping for a peaceful passing. I am so glad it was.

(I lost both my parents many years ago and both went peacefully which is what I wanted for you and your Mom.)

XO,

JC

The Royals and Gentleman Beau said...

Paula, thank you again for sharing with us the Grace of your mom's passing.

Please know you remain in mind as you and your family.
A peaceful passing is truly a gift.

Hugs and gentle purrs from the Royals
and
QM Rose

Katie Isabella said...

I am so saddened at this news, Paula. Having lost both of my parents, I as do many others understand the pain of loss.

I had a thought go thru me on reading your beautiful post and that is I would love to have such a passing myself when the time comes. To know love and prayer is a supreme blessing and a loving goodbye.

Peace be unto you.

Carole aka Katie Isabella

GreatGranny said...

My condolences on the loss of your Mom. It's never easy to lose a loved one. I wish you and your family God's blessings at this sad time.

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

Paula,
I believe:
Love is a gift, a gift you received, and one that your heart accepted. But the good news is love is eternal, it transcends even death. Although your Mom is gone, the love isn't. Nothing can take away the love you shared, ever. And nothing can take away the love you continue to feel. Ralph Waldo Emerson said it quite beautifully:

in this universe
nothing is ever wholly lost
that which is excellent
remains forever a part of this universe
human hearts are dust
but the love which moves the human heart
abides to bless
the last generation...

My deepest prayers to help you through this most difficult time. Keeping you close in my thoughts

xoxoxx
Debra

The Lee County Clowder said...

Comforting purrrrrsss and gentle headbuttttss to you all.

{{{hugg}}}

Cathy Keisha said...

So sorry for your loss. Your Mom will be with you forever in your heart.

The Florida Furkids said...

We're so sorry to hear that your Mom has passed. How wonderful that you were there to usher her out of this life and into the next with her favorite prayers.

The Florida Furkids and Lexi and Mom Sharon

MISS PEACH ~(^.^)~ said...

Dearest Paula...there is no loss that can compare with losing a mother...never...I am so sorry for you and pray that wonderful memories surround you during this sad time....
The cozy cottagers

Cat and DOG Chat With Caren said...

Paula we are so deeply sorry but we are happy that you were able to bring peace to your Mother and some joy in her final hours.
We know how hard it is to lose a loved one and to be there when it happens.
We are happy that she passed in Peace and surrounded by love.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Much love,
Caren & Cody

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

We are so sorry for your loss, but we are thankful that you and your sister were able to offer her comfort and prayers, and make her passing a gentle one. You remain in our thoughts.

Kwee Cats and Art said...

We think it is so beautiful how you have been able to experience this. We even more glad for the wonderful relationship. Bless you, we purring and thinking of you - Peace be with you.

Hugs and kitty kisses.

caspersmom said...

What a beautiful way to pass with her two daughters there in prayer. I know your heart's hurt and there are no words to help. My prayers to you in your time of grief. I so wish I could have been with my mother when she passed. God Bless.

Marilynn said...

We are sending our deepest condolences to you and all your family, Mom Paula ... and prayers ... lots and lots of prayers for you all.

Love,

Grace & Company

Mickey's Musings said...

We are glad your Mom passed away peacefully, but also so sorry for your loss. It must have been a comfort for her to have her family around her.
BIG hugs to you and your family.
Purrs Tillie and Georgia,
Tiger,Treasure,JJ and Julie
and mom Nancy

Cherry City Kitties said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Your love is obvious in your writings of your last times with your mother, I know you were as true a blessing to her as she was to you.

Luv, hugs and purrs from the boys
Carolyn

Laila and Angel Minchie said...

We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. (((hugs)))

Willow said...

Paula I am sorry for your loss. Caner has effected me personally and losing a Great Grandma when I was young. Hold onto the memories and comfort of your Mom and that she was at peace in the end.
Love,
Meredith (Willow's Mom)

Freyashawk said...

I know you do not know me, but I am a fellow cat guardian and I simply wish to send my deepest sympathy for your loss. There can be no substitute for a mother in a person's life and the loss of your mother must cut deep. She was fortunate to have you with her at the end and it seems that she was blessed in her last moments with little pain or agony. God bless you and give you strength in this sorrowful time.

Anonymous said...

I am so grateful that you were able to give your mother and yourself a peaceful transition and good-bye. I am praying that your family is comforted.

Daisy said...

I am so very sorry for your loss, and we are keeping you in our thoughts and purrs during this sad time. {{hugs}}

Texas, a Cat in... Austin said...

Sending many purrs and hugs of comfort.

Ellen Whyte said...

We are thinking of you during this difficult time.

haopee said...

I am glad that you were able to be with your mom during her last hours. You said your proper goodbyes and said her favorite prayers. She was in the comfort of her own home with the people who she loved most. She is certainly at peace.

I truly hope that our paws and prayers are enough to give you comfort in this next couple of days.

Huggies and Cheese,
Haopee

Angel Gracie=^o.o^= said...

I am so sorry for your loss but how wonderful for Paula and her sister to be with their mom and see her leave in peace. I will keep you in my thoughts and purrs as you and your family for the loss of your dear mom. Though you will miss her it will help some to know that she is no longer in pain.

Donna said...

My condolences. (((Mom)))

Layla Morgan Wilde ( Cat Wisdom 101) said...

Memories keep those we love close to us forever. We send our deepest sympathies & purrs from our four mancats.

A Tonk's Tail said...

Oh, how did we miss this? I'm so glad we saw your post just now over at Glogirly's....

What a wonderful, incredible gift you gave her, to be there for her every step of the way, to comfort her and to see to her comfort, to let her know how dearly loved she will always be.

Your posts brought tears to our eyes...and we pray that you will be "comforted among the mourners of zion" as our faith says.

Shalom to you at this time. Hugs...and peace.

Ryker's mom, Lisa