In Memoriam...

[TOhioLiberal]

Well it finally happened. I got the call at 7:15 this morning, my sister telling me to get up to the nursing home where my mother stayed. I got there in about 15 minutes (after being awakened by the phone), but by that time, she was already gone.

My mother was a great person. She was a happy person. Everybody who met her liked her very much. Just A few months shy of her 71st birthday, she is survived by 4 daughters--Debra, Susan, Karen (me), and Janet; and one son, William. She is also survived by 7 grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren.

:cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

:cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

Trek

[Lefta Dissenter]

1. Oh Karen

I'm so very sorry. :hug:

[TOhioLiberal]

24. Thanks...

The :hug: helps...

[Kahuna]

2. Aw Jeez, Trek.. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My ..

condolences to you and your family. :cry:

[TOhioLiberal]

25. Thanks...

it's really appreciated...

[bleedingheart]

3. I am so sorry to hear about this...

[TOhioLiberal]

27. It's appreciated...

[Coventina]

4. with hugs and sympathy

peace and love to you and your family.

I lost my mother a little more than a year ago after a long illness. It still hurts. Be gentle with yourself.

:hug: x 100

Coventina

[TOhioLiberal]

28. Thank you...

Does it get better? It's so hard!

[Coventina]

50. Yes, but it takes time.

And it doesn't go in a straight line.
There are ups and unexpected downs.

Give yourself as much time as you need. And permission to have "bad days", it's natural, and part of the process.
:hug:

[Infomaniac]

5. I am so sorry.

I am so sorry to hear about losing your mom. My condolences to your family.

[TOhioLiberal]

29. Thank you...

It is greatly appreciated.

[sundog]

6. Sorry about the news...

sending some good thoughts you way... take care

[Lindsey]

7. So sorry to hear of your loss....

Thoughts are with you and your family.

[TOhioLiberal]

31. Thanks...nt

[TOhioLiberal]

30. Thanks...

She's at peace, now.

[Rick Myers]

8. So sorry to hear of your loss...

Hugs and all GOOD karma to you and your family...

[rsmith6621]

11. Losing Someone You Love

Sucks.......My thought are with you in this hour.....

Take time to greive and remember the good times you shared.

Deepest Sympathy

[TOhioLiberal]

34. Thanks...

You are absolutely correct, it does suck...:cry:

[TOhioLiberal]

32. Thank you...

We need all the good karma we can get.

[Spiffarino]

9. A fond goodbye to your dear mother.

What a beautiful, happy face. I am so sorry for you and your family.

It hurts so much to lose a wonderful mother, it cannot be described.

Time heals, and you will have happy memories of her to keep your heart warm for a long, long time.

Peace.

[TOhioLiberal]

36. Thank you...

That is the memory I am keeping of her; she was always so happy and full of life...it is unbelieveable that she's gone.

[CO Liberal]

10. (((((Karen)))))

Mothers are so special, that when they leave us, they leave a bigger hole in our hearts.

My mom passed on six years ago, so I know what you're going through. Everyone here at DU shares your grief and celebrates your mother's life.

Wayne
(CO Liberal)

[TOhioLiberal]

37. Wayne...

Thank you so much for the hug. I hope it gets better soon...

[punpirate]

12. My condolences.

I hope your mother lived well, and suffered little.

[Kukesa]

13. And mine, too. Sorry for your loss. n/t

[TOhioLiberal]

38. She did live well...

...and thankfully, she didn't suffer long.

[Lady Effingbroke]

14. What a beautiful picture of your mother.

I am sorry to hear of your loss. Condolences to you and your family, please take care! :hug:

[TOhioLiberal]

39. Thank you...

I took that picture of her, about a decade ago. It sums her up in a photgraphic 'nutshell'. I miss her so much already.

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

15. May I make a humble suggestion?

I essentially gave up my life to care for my mother, after my father died. In truth, I have not completely retrieved it, but given the same set of circumstances, I would make the same decision. It was the only responsible thing I could do at the time. I knew she was leaving, in the last 3 months or so, but that did not mitigate the effects her passing had upon me. All that said, several things happened that made her leaving easier. I would like to share them.

1) Wise friends. Do not try to face this time alone. In my case, I had an Episcopal Priest, Father Emory, to stand with me and help me intelligently and responsibly face my grief and yes, my guilt that somehow, I had not done enough of something. He got me through this, through his kindness, his support his love and his boundless wisdom. Reach out to someone of such comparable qualities. Ask if thay can share a smidgen of their strength. It is my experience that such people never fail you at these times.

2) A friend sent me a book I can recommend. Now, I am a very pragmatic person. I am no friend to "New Age" mumbo-jumbo. In spite of those facts, this book was a great help an comfort. Is what it imparts true? I have no idea, so treat it as comforting fiction. In fact, that may be the most constructive tack. But I recommend it. It helped me. Funny, that.

"Journey of Souls" by Michael Newton, PhD.
Llewellyn Publications, St. Paul MN.55164-0383
ISBN 1-56718-485-5(pbk.)

These things helped me. I hope and pray that something similar makes this time easier on you.

[TOhioLiberal]

40. Thanks for the book idea...

I'm going to look for it. :hug:

[FizzFuzz]

149. I'd like to recommend that book too

Journey of Souls. For me, it is comforting, and makes sense to me and my spiritual views.

I have always found that when in need the Universe responds.

[yardwork]

16. I'm sorry for your loss

Your mother was a beautiful woman and I can tell that you loved her very much.

[TOhioLiberal]

41. She was...

and I do love her, now more than ever.

[Mikimouse]

17. Sending my sincere condolences...

Sorry to hear of your loss, Trekkerlass!

[TOhioLiberal]

42. Thank you...

it's appreciated.

[Swede]

18. Sad news trekkerless.

So sorry for you and your family.

[TOhioLiberal]

44. Thank you...

I appreciate it.

[Pithlet]

19. I'm so sorry for your loss

:hug:

[TOhioLiberal]

45. Thanks...

the :hug: and the sentiment are appreciated.

[Skarbrowe]

20. A wonderful picture. Losing one's mother is the worst.

The worst of everything. She is so sparkling alive in the picture you posted that I feel like I knew her. She reminds me a bit of my mother. Lost nine years ago. Your mother was much too young. I'm sure she knows that you've introduced her to many good people here on the DU and she's laughing from joy, love and a bit of embarrassment. :)

I'm truly sorry and I'm so glad you posted her pic.

Skarbrowe

[TOhioLiberal]

46. She's probably...

...making friends with all the angels...

[Zomby Woof]

21. I am so sorry

Let us all be thankful for her life, and for the wonderful person she brought into the world. :hug:

[TOhioLiberal]

47. Thank you...

...She made me the person I am now; with her love of life and her sense of fair play.

[BigMcLargehuge]

22. Please accept my heartfelt condolences

I am very sorry for your loss.

[TOhioLiberal]

48. Thank you...

it is very appreciated.

[GingerSnaps]

23. So sorry to hear about your Moms passing

:hug:

[TOhioLiberal]

49. Thank you...

I appreciate it. BTW: your kitty picture gave me a little lift!

[antigone382]

26. I'm so sorry for you and your family

I'll be thinking of you and sending good thoughts your way.

:hug:

[TOhioLiberal]

51. Thank you...

we can use all the good thoughts we can get...the next few days are going to be hell. :hug:

[miss_kitty]

33. oh sad

I am so sorry for your loss. My mom died 23 years ago this month, and reading your post reminds of what a sad thing it is. I am so so sorry. :cry:
She LOOKS friendly and happy in this picture, you were lucky to have her this long.
My condolences to you and your family, dear.

[TOhioLiberal]

52. That picture is...

...my mom in a nutshell. She was a beautiful person, inside and out. Thank you for responding, it is appreciated.

[BelleCarolinaPeridot]

35. I send hugs and condolences .

[TOhioLiberal]

53. Thank you...nt

[flamingyouth]

43. Dear Karen

I'm very sorry for your loss. Your mom looks like she was a wonderful and fun person who will live forever in the hearts of the people who knew and loved her.

I really feel for you now. Please know that you can come to us whenever you need to talk or vent.

With my deepest condolences,
Lisa

[TOhioLiberal]

54. Thank you, flamingyouth...

Its hard, because I'm glad that she's beyond pain, and sad because she's gone...it's hard to deal with.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

55. My condolences, Trek

Maybe they die before we get there because they don't want to hurt us. I wish you peace in your grief...hugs :hug:

[TOhioLiberal]

57. Thank you...

I appreciate it.

[rumguy]

56. my heart goes out to you and your family

[TOhioLiberal]

58. Thanks...n/t

[TOhioLiberal]

59. To all my friends...

...thank you all for replying! It gives me a warm feeling to know that you are thinking of me and my family. It is so very helpful and much appreciated. I need to get some sleep now, but I'll check the thread in the morning. Thanks once again...:grouphug:

[GoddessOfGuinness]

60. I'm so sorry...

My deepest sympathy to you and your family... :hug:

[TOhioLiberal]

83. Thanks...

I appreciate the hug and the sentiment.

[Crunchy Frog]

61. I'm so sorry for you loss.

She looks like she was a wonderful woman.:hug: I can't even imagine how painful it must be to lose a mother. :cry:

[TOhioLiberal]

84. Thank you...

she was a wonderful woman, loved by everyone she knew.

[montana_hazeleyes]

62. My condolences to you and your family.

Your mom looks so happy and a joy to have been around. Like another poster said I almost feel like I know her looking at her beautiful picture. :hug:

[TOhioLiberal]

85. Thanks...

She was a wonderful person, and we all miss her so already :cry:

[Princess Turandot]

63. I'm very sorry for your loss..

your mom looked like she enjoyed her life.

[TOhioLiberal]

86. Thank you...

It's appreciated.

[Gore1FL]

64. My condolences

There is nothing that I can say to heal the hurt or make it go away any faster, but for what it is worth, I care that you are hurting.

[TOhioLiberal]

87. Thank you...

It means alot that you care, it makes the pain more bearable.

[ikojo]

65. I am so very sorry.

May her memory be a blessing.

She looks like a very happy person in the picture.

[TOhioLiberal]

89. She was...

a very happy person. Thanks for caring.

[Tom Kitten]

66. Oh I'm so sorry !

this is so heartbreaking, to lose one's mom! I'm really sorry, you'll be in my thoughts in the days to come, please know you have much sympathy and support as you grieve.:cry:

[TOhioLiberal]

90. Thank you...

I appreciate it, more than I can express.

[Bunny]

67. My deepest condolences.

Your mom sounds like a great lady. :hug:

[TOhioLiberal]

91. She was...

a great lady. Thanks for caring.

[SheWhoMustBeObeyed]

68. I'm so sorry for your loss

My mom passed several years ago at age 77. I still miss her so much. I'm sorry for the pain you're feeling, I know how much it hurts.

Your mom looks like a doll in that picture, a sweetheart. May all her goodness live on through you and your family, and may you be comforted by the memories you share.

[TOhioLiberal]

92. Thanks...

She was a sweetheart...(geez I hate that 'was':cry:) It just hurts you know...

[VOX]

69. I'm so very sorry, trekkerlass. Losing one's mom is one of the toughest...

things we all face -- no matter how old you are, in a way, you become an "orphan" when your mom passes on.

I lost my mom last year, so I totally understand what your going through. The coming holidays will be difficult, too -- the first without your mom. It does get easier, though.

Always keep her in memory, and close to your heart.

My sincere condolences to you and your family -- :hug:

[TOhioLiberal]

93. Thanks...

That is so true about becoming an orphan...You're right about the holidays coming up, they are going to be VERY hard. The saddest part? Today is my son's 21st birthday, and no one is in the mood to celebrate, especially him. :cry:

[Magrittes Pipe]

70. I'm so sorry, Trek.

Best wishes to you and your family. :hug:

[TOhioLiberal]

94. Thanks...

I appreciate the kind words.

[July]

71. Karen, I'm very sorry.

You're in my thoughts.

[TOhioLiberal]

96. Thanks...n/t

[Amaya]

72. My deepest most heartfelt condolences

[TOhioLiberal]

97. Thank you...

I appreciate it..

[brook]

73. My thoughts are with you, Karen.

And with the rest of your family as well. I was just talking with an Uncle's widow yesterday and we spoke of how much we miss him and my Dad, but how comforting we find our memories of them. This raw, immediate pain will eventually mutate into something more 'bittersweet'.Wrap yourself in the love of family and friends for now.:hug:

[TOhioLiberal]

98. Thank you...

I'm finding a lot of comfort from my friends here, thats for sure! I appreciate the kind words.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

74. Oh, trekkerlass, my condolences!

:hug:

[TOhioLiberal]

99. I appreciate it...

:hug:

[eyesroll]

75. I'm sorry for your loss, Trekkerlass

:hug:

Please take care of yourself during this difficult time.

[TOhioLiberal]

100. Thank you...

I am trying but its hard...

[rockymountaindem]

76. Sorry to hear of your loss.

[TOhioLiberal]

101. Thank you...nt

[YellowRubberDuckie]

77. I'm so sorry....

We'll be praying for your family, sending good thoughts and lots of love your way. :hug:
Duckie

[TOhioLiberal]

102. Thanks

We appreciate the prayers and the thoughts...

[bif]

78. Very sorry to her about your mom

She looks like a great lady. So full of life. My mom passed away 16 years ago right around Christmas time. Somehow, Christmas doesn't mean as much anymore. It's sad when any relative dies, but Mom's are special, that's for sure.
Take care.

[TOhioLiberal]

103. She was a great lady...

...and I am not looking forward to any holiday, because she was the anchor for the family get-togethers. When she was still living at home, everyone would come to her house. After she went into the nursing home, we all took turns 'hosting' and mom would be there.

[Terran]

79. My condolences

We don't know each other, but I know what you're going through. I'm so sorry to hear this.

[TOhioLiberal]

104. Thanks...

I appreciate the thought.

[bigwillq]

80. Karen, I am very sorry for your loss

Cherish the memories of your mother forever.

My thoughts are with your and your family at this difficult time.

[TOhioLiberal]

105. Thanks...

We appreciate it...

[JI7]

81. she must have been a great mom

i'm glad you got so many sisters and a brother to share memories with.

[TOhioLiberal]

106. She was a great mom...

and we miss her. Thank you for the kind response.

[plcdude]

82. you have my deepest

sympathy. I miss my mother everyday but she lives on inside me and in my words and actions.

[TOhioLiberal]

107. Thank you...

for the kind words.

[Phillycat]

88. I am very sorry for your loss.

:hug:

[TOhioLiberal]

108. Thanks for the hug...

...and the words of support :hug: back atcha!

[redqueen]

95. Oh, trekkerlass, I'm so sorry for your loss

Hopefully you can find some solace remembering her with your brother and sisters.

:hug:

[TOhioLiberal]

109. We are finding solace...

...in knowing that she lived life to the fullest, and that her final illness was brief.

[TOhioLiberal]

110. An update...

first of all, thanks again to everyone who have replied to this thread. I tell people that DU is like one big (slightly disfunctional) family; you have proved that point time and again with you kind remarks. It is so very appreciated, and it comforts me to a point I cannot express.

I got the word from my sister that the funeral is tomorrow, and her obituary is in today's Toledo Blade: Obit. She's being shown from 1pm until the service at 6pm.

Thanks again to all my virtual family
Karen 'trekkerlass'

[TOhioLiberal]

111. gratuitious kick...

:kick:

[NamVetsWeeLass]

112. RIP

:kick:

[TOhioLiberal]

128. Thanks...n/t

[newyawker99]

113. I send my condolences to your and your family, trekkerlass.

May your mom rest in peace.

[TOhioLiberal]

129. Thanks NY99

I appreciate it...

[FizzFuzz]

114. my thoughts are with you and your Mom, trekkerlass.

She looks like a fun and funny woman. (Funny is a big compliment in my book, please know that.)

[TOhioLiberal]

130. She was...

all that & more...we miss her terribly.

[deadparrot]

115. So sorry to hear this. Best wishes.

[TOhioLiberal]

131. Thanks...n/t

[liberalhistorian]

116. Karen, I'm so sorry,

this has to be so hard to deal with. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your siblings. Here's a big hug, though I wish I could do more.

:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

[TOhioLiberal]

132. Thanks...

The hugs are very comforting...:hug:

[grace0418]

117. I'm so sorry

that is very sad news indeed. Hang in there.

[TOhioLiberal]

134. Thanks...n/t

[ReadTomPaine]

118. So sorry to hear this, my condolences!

Check your PM, I've sent you a quick, personal note.

RTP.

[TOhioLiberal]

Thank you

and thanks for the note, too.

[blondeatlast]

119. God bless to your mom and the entire Trekker clan. I'm sorry for your loss

DUers are overwhelming in showing their love; I lost my dad last year.

May she rest peacefully in God's embrace.

[TOhioLiberal]

136. I am completely overwhelmed...

DU rocks...and so do you :hug:

[NightTrain]

120. Aww, honey....

Having lost both parents myself, there's nothing I can say that'll make you feel better. So I'll just offer my condolences and leave it at that. :hug:

[TOhioLiberal]

137. Thanks NT...

It is appreciated more than I can say.

[Jokinomx]

121. Only those that have lost a loved parent know your pain.....

My heart goes out to you and your Family for your loss. None of us get out of here alive.... but, knowing that doesn't take the pain away, nothing can do that but death itself. However, time passing does ease the pain...

Appreciate every moment of every day... Because at any moment of any day ... A Loved one can be taken away.

:hug:

[TOhioLiberal]

138. Thanks...n/t

[Lady Effingbroke]

122. Kick.

:kick:

Trekkerlass, you are so thoughtful and considerate to have gone through and answered each expression of condolence individually, especially in this time of difficulty for you and your family. It is so obvious that your mother was a wonderful and caring person - it shows through in her daughter!

Take care, and happy 21st to your son. :hug:

[TOhioLiberal]

139. It gives me a chance...

to think about my mom and not be so sad...:hug:

[Kat45]

123. I'm so sorry, Karen.

I lost my father earlier this year, so I have some idea what you're going through. Just remember all that was good in her.

[TOhioLiberal]

140. Thanks, I am...n/t

[Dzimbowicz]

124. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.

[TOhioLiberal]

141. Thanks...n/t

[Arkana]

125. My condolences, Trekkerlass.

[TOhioLiberal]

142. I appreciate it...n/t

[supernova]

126. So sorry for the loss of your mom, Karen

:hug: You and your family will be in my thoughts. :hug:

What a great smile! :-)

[TOhioLiberal]

143. Thats the way she greeted everyone...

with a big smile, and she could make you feel like you were the most important person in the world.

[mwdem]

127. So sorry for your loss...

she seems too young to be taken like this.

[TOhioLiberal]

144. I think so too..

[enigmatic]

133. My Sympathies..

I've lost my parents; it's incredibly devastating still to me, years later.

All the good vibes I can muster will be sent your way:)

[TOhioLiberal]

145. Thanks...

I appreciate it...

[ScreamingMeemie]

135. Karen, I am so very sorry. That is a beautiful picture.

I cannot imagine what you must be going through right now. My thoughts will be with you and your family in the days ahead. Your mother did an obviously wonderful job...it shows.

:hug: :cry:

Laura

[TOhioLiberal]

146. Thanks...

she made me the person I am...a fairly well centered, heart-on-my-sleeve, liberal...

[Zynx]

147. My condolences.

She will be missed. :-(

[TOhioLiberal]

148. Thanks for caring...n/t

[Captain Lance Bass]

150. Sorry

Healing beams from Kali.

[TOhioLiberal]

151. thanks...n/t

[linazelle]

152. I am so very sorry to hear about your Mom...

I hope that you will be able to draw upon your cherished memories of her to make it through this difficult time.