Today was my mother's birthday.

[Skidmore]

Christmas Eve birthdays always seem to short the person with them a bit. She died in 1995 at age 62 of renal cancer, which she had for some time apparently. When she would ask about flank pain, her doctor would tell her that that she had pulled a muscle in her side while lifting people in the nursing home where she worked. SHe was making a nickel an hour more than minimum wage after giving a quarter of a century to that place. Barely had health insurance and we were thankful for assistance of the volunteers from Hospice at the end of her life. She was never able to retire and worked up until the day she was diagnosed. Her first Social Security check arrived the day after her funeral. I miss her so terribly still--this longsuffering and quiet woman who bore much in life without complaint. Yes, we need a safety net for all and we're on our way to getting it as long as we don't allow ourselves to be distracted by shiny things and loud screeches.

Today was for my Mom and all those like her.

Happy Christmas Eve to all.

[left coaster]

1. I'm so very sorry for your loss, Skidmore..

I know mere words can't change that, but please do accept my kind thoughts in rememberance of your dear mom on this day, her birthday.

Take care.

[frazzled]

2. My mother's birthday is tomorrow

On Christmas. I am very thankful that she is still here with us, but at the same time I am very sorry that Christmas Eve brings sad remembrance of your beloved mother.

For my mother, Christmas Eve brings painful memories: on the day before her own birthday some years ago, her mother died. (Thank god we're Jewish, so we can't get too mystical about this!)

Perhaps this all reminds us that life is full of pain alongside the joy. Do use this special night to light a candle for your mother, and to remember the joy she brought to your life.

[StarfarerBill]

3. I commiserate, Skidmore: my mother died in 1998 from COPD,

and I still miss her every day.

She raised me pretty much alone, except for some help from her mother. She never wanted or asked for much, but helped and encouraged me even into adulthood. She was an FDR Democrat, and was instrumental in changing my ignorant views as a young adult.

She was and is my heroine.

[noiretextatique]

4. happy birthday to your mom

:toast: your mother and i share a birthday. i am missing my dad and my little sister today, but i feel they are here with me...watching over me.
your mother still knows that you love her, and her spirit will always be with you :hug:

[Thickasabrick]

5. K&R for your Mom and the reminder that it's about people like her that

this struggle is about.

:hug:

[PlanetBev]

6. Very well spoken, Skidmore

I lost my father on December 14th. I'm still numb. He was 88 and we knew it was coming, but that doesn't make it hurt less. My dad's birthday is March 2nd. The first birthday without a loved one is always a rough day.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us and have a nice Christmas.

[lapislzi]

7. My mom's too, Skidmore

I lost her in 1986 to cancer. When her health began to fail, she was on public assistance, which was a hell of a sight better than it is today. Still, I wonder if she hadn't have been at the bottom of the economic heap, would she have lived a little longer and a little better?

I will be raising a glass to Louise and your mom this evening.

Peace to you.
:hug:

[roguevalley]

8. your mom is a hero. she is a monument of dignity. I am so sorry for

the loss. There is little that is worse than losing your mom.

:hug:

[Sal Minella]

9. Thanks for posting this.

:hug:

[malaise]

10. Here's a hug for you

I miss mom, dad and my little sister. :hug:

[Raven]

11. Tough time of year for many of us. Both of my parents passed away

during this season. My father died on New Years Eve and Social Security sent us a nasty letter looking for the January check back.

[juno jones]

12. My mom's b-day is New Year's eve.

(My dad's was July 4, when I was small I thought everyone had parents born on holdays...LOL!)

She too died of cancer and had complained of respritory problems for awhile, always diagnosed as 'a cold' until she got very ill.

Since she died of mesothiemlioma (sic?) perhaps there was nothing to be done, on the other hand earlier dectection might have helped. :shrug:

:hug: I am sorry. May you have a good holiday and remember her as she would have wanted...:)

[Berry Cool]

13. I understand your loss, Skidmore, and feel similarly about my mom.

It's been just nine years since I lost her.

I don't know what to feel about today. I really don't. I just try to comfort myself with the idea that if there were still so many Republicant's voting no, there must have been something good in it.

[Dappleganger]

14. I'm sorry for your loss.

It's been nearly a year and a half since losing my 66 yr. old mom to a stroke and the holidays are especially tough as she was such a central person in the extended family.