Thursday, June 23, 2011

Let Go & Thank God

Many of you who visit here often know that my mom has been battling brain cancer for a little over a year now.  Well, this morning she passed.  My father and I were there by her side.  I can only be happy that it seems she went peacefully and wasn't in pain.  She fought a brave fight.  I have never seen anyone so determined to take a stand and fight for more time to be with their family.  She had a biopsy and brain surgery to debulk the tumor in May.  Never once did she complain about going through such a horrible surgery with little more than local to the skull.  I have learned so much from my mom through the years, and the most important thing I learned was how to be a very strong woman.  I never heard her say "why me" either.  I think through life I always looked to her on how I should feel about certain things, and I learned from her when her mother passed away 10 years ago that she is in a better place.   A place without suffering, a place where she can join her mother, father, and two sisters.  I take peace in knowing she will not be alone.

So I made a card this evening with her and God in mind.  I let her go, and I am thanking God for taking care of her.


Below are pictures that I took on Mother's Day 2010.  This was just before she started treatment and the last time I have a picture of her looking like herself.  My parents have spent many days sitting together on a swing.    I have a couple pictures in different states we have lived with them sitting on a swing.  Usually with a cup of coffee.   These photos have been cropped to take out all the brick behind us.  I did share these over a year ago when they were taken, so some of you may have seen them.


My mom and me.  The last picture I have of us together.


My mom and my sweet son, who will miss his grandma dearly.

I wanted to say thank you to all my sweet friends who visit me often and have helped me through this the last year.  I appreciate you all!  You have no idea.  :)


I did use the sketch at Mojo Monday for inspiration.

Thanks for stopping by,
Heather

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60 comments:

  1. Karen B.June 23, 2011 at 6:58 PM

    Thinking of you Heather, and a beautiful card in tribute of your mother.

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  2. Betty WrightJune 23, 2011 at 7:15 PM

    A beautiful tribute to your mom, Heather! I will continue to lift you and your family up in prayer!

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  3. SandyJune 23, 2011 at 7:17 PM

    I'm so sorry, Heather. I can see why you love and admire her. Sending you hugs.

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  4. Linda BreedloveJune 23, 2011 at 7:40 PM

    Hugs, dear Heather. So sorry for your loss. I'll be praying for you and your family!

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  5. Suzanne CJune 23, 2011 at 7:43 PM

    Heather my heart goes out to you and your family. Prayers and hugs being sent your way. So sorry for your loss.

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  6. Silke LedlowJune 23, 2011 at 8:06 PM

    Heather, again I'm sending my heartfelt sympathies to you and your family! Knowing that she trusted in the Lord is definitely comforting! Hugs ~S~

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  7. AnonymousJune 23, 2011 at 8:25 PM

    My heart aches for you. I, too, lost my mother to cancer and I won't lie. It hurts. And it doesn't stop hurting either. Just be strong, take one day at a time and hold dear the wonderful memories created.
    SuZeQ ~ kosec@sbcglobal.net

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  8. Sabrina JacksonJune 23, 2011 at 8:35 PM

    Heather, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of you mom! May God give you and your family the strength to deal with the things that have to be dealt with in the time to come. Your card is absolutely beautiful. Sending you hugs and prayers, Sabrina

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  9. PapierGirlJune 23, 2011 at 8:38 PM

    Heather - I'm so sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. I will keep you and your family in my prayers during this difficult time. I lost my Mother almost 10 years ago, and she lives in my memories and heart. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think or mention her by name. Be strong Heather! {{hugs}} Cathy

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  10. Dawn B.June 23, 2011 at 8:39 PM

    My heart is hurting for you my friend. Losing a mom is so hard as we have talked about this before. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you every step of the way. Wish I was there to hug in person but consider yourself hugged. Let me know if you need anything......

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  11. ChristinaJune 23, 2011 at 8:42 PM

    Heather, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. Your heartfelt words are such a tribute to her, and I'm glad you shared these wonderful thoughts and pictures of her. Big hugs to you, friend!

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  12. Andrea MJune 23, 2011 at 8:58 PM

    Thinking of you, sweet Heather. I cannot even imagine… I am so, so sorry for your loss. What wonderful pictures and a beautiful card made in honor of your Mom. I am so glad that you had the chance to be closer to her this past year. BIG hugs and sincere, warm thoughts and prayers sent your way!

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  13. LiliJune 23, 2011 at 9:29 PM

    Heather, sorry to hear of your mother's passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

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  14. GeriJune 23, 2011 at 9:57 PM

    Thanks so much for sharing the pictures of your sweet mom, Heather...I will be thinking of and praying for you and your family in the days ahead.

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  15. PialiJune 23, 2011 at 10:54 PM

    So Sorry to hear about your loss!! I'll keep you & your family in my prayers!
    I'm so glad you shared such lovely pictures of your Mom and wonderful tribute card!
    Big Hugs to you Heather!!

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  16. Jen AdcockJune 24, 2011 at 1:27 AM

    Oh my beautiful Heather. I am sending you love and my prayers in abundance. I know this journey has been difficult and is sure to continue on for some time yet, but please be comforted in the love and blessings of the time you've had together. Your mom has just moved just even deeper into your big beautiful heart and will remain there always. I love the photos that you posted and of that of your card. You look like your beautiful mother and it moves me to see that as well as your amazing generosity of spirit. Take care Lovely One. Hugs galore!

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  17. Deborah FringsJune 24, 2011 at 1:33 AM

    I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Sending you hugs and keeping you and your family in my thoughts. xxx

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  18. NadineJune 24, 2011 at 2:24 AM

    So sorry for you. Wish you a lot of strenght. Your card is beautiful. Take care!

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  19. LanaJune 24, 2011 at 2:58 AM

    Heather, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss!
    Sending you prayers and hugs! Take care!

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  20. Holly SaveurJune 24, 2011 at 4:28 AM

    Heather I am so sorry to hear about your loss....
    its so very difficult and hurts so much to loose your mother.
    All my love and hugs to you and your family.
    Love Holly.

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  21. RosJune 24, 2011 at 5:26 AM

    Oh my Heather ... I have tears reading this ... what can I say ... this was your Mom ... words can never express your loss ... you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers ... I know you were blessed to have her and she was blessed to have you ... I'm sure you and your sweet son gave her much happiness ... take care my friend xxx

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  22. AnonymousJune 24, 2011 at 6:30 AM

    I just started following your blog a few weeks ago so I was unaware of your mom's illness. I lost my mom when I was 20 to the same illness. My heart goes out to you.

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  23. farmhouse-storyJune 24, 2011 at 6:35 AM

    i'm so very sorry, heather...such a beautiful post...prayers to you and your family, sweetie.

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  24. Cindy HaffnerJune 24, 2011 at 7:32 AM

    BEAUTIFUL Heather, hugs to you!!~

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  25. LynndaJune 24, 2011 at 8:02 AM

    Words can never express your loss Heather... Thinking of you.. Hang in there... Take care hugs xoxo.. Beautiful card xx

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  26. UnknownJune 24, 2011 at 8:10 AM

    I am so sorry for you loss my sweet friend.. I will have you and your family in my prayers..

    Hugs, Linda

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  27. cnelsonJune 24, 2011 at 8:19 AM

    Heather,
    I am sooooo sorry for your loss. Your post is a lovely tribute to your wonderful mom. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. BIG HUGS.

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  28. RizziJune 24, 2011 at 9:02 AM

    MY DEAR HEATHER,
    I AM SO SORRY ABOUT YOUR MOM'S PASSING...MY MOM DIED OF CANCER TOO. YOUR MOM IS WITH GOD, AND WELL TAKEN CARE OF. PRAYERS WILL BE SAID FOR YOUR MOM, AND YOU AND YOUR FAMILY TOO.
    YOUR CARD IS JUST BEAUTIFUL, YOU DID A LOVELY JOB IN DESIGNING IT. I KNOW YOUR MOM IS PROUD OF ALL YOUR BEAUTIFUL WORK. TAKE CARE, RIZZI

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  29. Tammy HershbergerJune 24, 2011 at 9:10 AM

    My thoughts and prayers are with you, Heather! Sending you tons of cyber hugs!

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  30. UnknownJune 24, 2011 at 9:56 AM

    Such a lovely tribute to your mom, Heather. I'm so sorry for your loss.. I know it has been a long road for you. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.. sending big hugs.

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  31. Dana GustafsonJune 24, 2011 at 11:06 AM

    Oh Heather girl! You are such a strong and graceful tribute to the beautiful and fulfilling life your mom lead. She will always be with you in your heart and memories, you'll hear her voice in your own and be glad to feel her influence at the times you need her most. I am so glad for you that you shared so many special moments with your mom. You know my heart sinks to see this post, knowing the finality of it, but you also know I understand the sentiment in "letting go and thanking god". Many many hugs to you, my friend.

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  32. MarliesJune 24, 2011 at 12:19 PM

    Dear Heather,
    I'm so sorry for your loss. I wish you and your family lots of strengh.
    hugs, Marlies

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  33. Wendy ten HoveJune 24, 2011 at 1:06 PM

    Dear Heather,

    I'm so sorry for you and your dad and family! Good to hear she was okay with it herself and with not too much pain, I do believe she's well taken care of now. I'm happy you have many happy memories and it must have been good for here that you were with her, but she will be missed for sure! Hope you will find a way to deal with it and your dad as well, and hope you'll always remember her in the very best way! Love the card you made for her memory, so sweet and pretty!

    Hus, Wendy

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  34. LeahJune 24, 2011 at 1:13 PM

    Oh Heather, what a beautiful card and sentiment to your mom. I am glad that she went peacefully and you were with her. Many healing hugs to you and your family....keep thanking God.

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  35. Inger Harding June 24, 2011 at 1:47 PM

    I'm so sorry for your loss Heather. I wish you and your family lots of strengh.
    Your post is such a beautiful tribute to your Mom.
    ♥ I'm thinking of you ♥

    ♥ Many hugs, Inger

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  36. UnknownJune 24, 2011 at 3:09 PM

    Heather I am so sorry for your loss, I know it has been rough. Your card is an absolute tribute to your mother. You are in my thoughts aqnd prayers................

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  37. StellaJune 24, 2011 at 4:39 PM

    Oh sweetie..I am in tears. I just mailed you....
    XXXXXXX

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  38. AnonymousJune 24, 2011 at 7:20 PM

    May God bless you and comfort you. My condolences on your loss,
    Donna McE

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  39. Holly AKA KopyKatJune 24, 2011 at 7:56 PM

    Heather, what a beautiful tribute to your mother. She sounds so strong and so do you. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of greiving.

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  40. Home and HeartJune 25, 2011 at 4:03 AM

    Heather I am SO SO sorry! I lost my mom to cancer last year. It's an evil disease. I wish I could say or do something to make it better. Please take care of yourself and your family. With truly heartfelt hugs, Jody

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  41. Mona PendletonJune 25, 2011 at 10:31 AM

    Heather this is such a beautiful card and wonderful tribute to your Mom. I am terribly sorry for your loss and will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Big cyber hugs :)

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  42. KaryJune 25, 2011 at 10:53 AM

    Heather, I'm so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. Thinking of you and your family and sending prayers your way. Take care. {{hugs}}

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  43. Nancy L.June 25, 2011 at 4:48 PM

    Heather, so sorry that you lost your Mother. She will forever watch over you and your family!!

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  44. Lynn PutJune 25, 2011 at 8:07 PM

    What a beautiful post and card honoring your Mother. I'm so sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

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  45. Shannon WhiteJune 25, 2011 at 8:08 PM

    Oh, So Sorry Miss Heather... Sending you and your family lots & lots of love and prayers.

    Big Hugs to you

    Shannon

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  46. Creative MayhemJune 25, 2011 at 11:36 PM

    Oh Heather. I'm so sorry I'm just learning of your mom's passing now. This card is beautiful and it is a wonderful testament to thank God for all we've been blessed with. These pictures are really great of the two of you. I know you will cherish them for years to come. I'm here if you ever need to talk. HUGS.

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  47. Diana QueenJune 26, 2011 at 9:54 AM

    Oh Heather... I wish I could give you a huge comforting hug. I love the things you wrote about your mom. What a strong and beautiful person. She taught you very good life lessons and I know she is happy that you will live your life with those lessons to help you. You are in my thoughts and prayers sweet girl. This card is so lovely and meaningful.

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  48. TeresaJune 26, 2011 at 10:01 AM

    Heather, my thoughts are with you. I'm sure your mom would have loved you making cards to get through this difficult time. Thanks for sharing your photos.

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  49. Lisa HjulbergJune 26, 2011 at 12:59 PM

    Heather, my thoughts and prayers are with you, dear girl. Your mother loved you very much, no doubt about it. And she set an amazing example for you. Even in the worst of times, there are blessings. She is with God. God is with you. Your mom lives on in you forever, and one day you will be joined again.

    Warm hugs,
    Lisa

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  50. ellepauletteJune 26, 2011 at 7:15 PM

    I am so sorry to read this! MY thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

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  51. Daniela DobsonJune 26, 2011 at 7:27 PM

    This makes me so sad I am so sorry for your loss. Beautiful photos and card. Sending hugs.

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  52. UnknownJune 26, 2011 at 11:45 PM

    My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Heather. Your mom is always be with you and protect you from the better place. {{{hugs}}}

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  53. Laura Kirste CampbellJune 27, 2011 at 1:57 PM

    Oh Heather - warm and loving squeezes to you my friend! You have ALL been so strong through all of the trials. I can see that you are already carrying on your sweet mother's beautiful traits. Your photos and card are heart touching and made my eyes water. Still praying for you, for peace for your family, for God's loving comfort.

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  54. DaviJune 28, 2011 at 2:37 PM

    So very sorry for your loss Heather. A big trial but obviously your moms example of strength has also touched and encouraged you. I pray you and your family will have be comforted and have peace in the days ahead.

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  55. Leslie MillerJune 29, 2011 at 1:30 AM

    Dear Heather, your Mom looks like she was a beautiful person. I can see the sweetness in her face. You're being very brave and strong, and your mother would be proud of you. You've made a beautiful card in her memory.

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  56. LindsayJune 29, 2011 at 12:43 PM

    I am so so sorry to hear Heather. My heart hurts for you and your family and I will be in prayer for you.

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  57. Savannah O'GwynnJune 29, 2011 at 8:51 PM

    Oh, Heather! I am so glad that I stopped by your blog today--I'm so sorry for your loss! Bless your heart and your entire family. What beautiful pictures that you can cherish forever. Praying that you would grab hold of the Lord and His love--and that He would bring comfort and peace to you and your family in this difficult time.

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  58. Lemon Lane StudioJuly 8, 2011 at 9:48 PM

    Oh Heather, I finally have the evening to myself to visit my favorite blogs and was browsing through your amazing cards. I just read this beautiful post about your mom. I am so sorry for you and your family that she passed. I know that this last year has been difficult for you. You will be in my prayers as you and your family face the days and years to come. Patty

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  59. HeatherJuly 22, 2011 at 12:12 AM

    Heather,

    I just read this and I am soooo sorry for your loss. I am praying that God will be your strength and comfort!!!

    Hugs!!!
    Love, Heather

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  60. UnknownJuly 18, 2013 at 12:18 PM

    I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family. And what a beautiful card you created.

    Big Hugs~

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Thanks so much for your sweet comments and amazing support. I truly appreciate it!