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My mom passed away early this morning. I got the call from my dad around 4:30 am.

We have known for the last 10 days that the end was near. I haven’t written about it because this time felt intensely private and I wanted to hold it close, to be quiet and contemplative, to honor this transition.

My heart is broken. I can’t imagine a life without my mom. Yet I know she’s free now and for that I am profoundly grateful. She seemed peaceful the last few days, with no pain. She died in her sleep.

She leaves behind my father, three living children, eleven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. She is now with my brother and all those loved ones who have already made their transition. She and my father were married for 67 years.

She was the best mom. I adored her.

I’ll write more about her later. For now, I’m going to take a few days off.

Thank you for your love and support,

ClaudiaSignature140X93

Comments

  1. Claudia, I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s never easy losing a parent. Sending prayers your way.

  2. Claudia, I am so sorry. It is always hard losing someone dear to us even tho we know it is for the best. Your mother is at peace now.
    I am sending you good thoughts . Take care. You have my deepest sympathy. pam

    ps You sure do look like your mother.

  8. My prayers are with you; losing your mother is like losing a part of yourself. She will always be with you in spirit.

  9. Dear Claudia – my thoughts are with you at this sorrowful time. It’s always so hard to lose a parent, and there was never anyone quite as special to us as our mother. The sadness never leaves us, mine has been gone11 years now, and never a day goes by that I don’t think of her and miss her. I say goodnight to her photo every night – and next to it stands the little Gladys figurine you so kindly shared with me. Your mom was so beautiful – and I see you in that lovely photo.
    You and your family will be in my prayers – stay strong dear one.
    Love, Mary

  10. Claudia,
    I am so sorry to hear this. What a beautiful picture of your mom. Take the time you need and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

  11. Claudia,

    I am so sorry for your loss. My mother died 14 years ago and I miss her every day. I love the picture of your mother. I have a similar one. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Carol

  13. So sorry for your sad heart. You were so blessed to have such a good Mom. Praying for your peace and comfort.

  16. My condolences, Claudia. Prayers for you and your family as you navigate through this time. No matter how much we know that our loved one is now at peace, it is still so hard. ((((hugs))))

  18. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. I am so very sorry for your loss. ((hugs)).

  19. I’m so sorry for your loss, Claudia. I know you take comfort in the fact that she’s at peace now, as I do with my dad who passed away last September. There will never be another mom for you or dad for me. That’s hard to come to terms with as we age, the inevitable loss of our parents. My deepest sympathy for you and your family. Hugs and love to you.

  20. Claudia
    I am so sorry for your loss. We never stop needing our mom.
    I will pray for you and your family.

  21. There are no magical words to make this time easier for you Claudia but I’m sure you can see and feel that you are being thought of and cared about in our messages to you. Take good care of yourself as you remember your sweet mom. Thinking about you and your family as you journey through the grief.

  23. So sorry for your loss. It shows in your post that she was a wonderful person and much-loved.

  24. Claudia,
    I’m sorry to hear the news of your Mother’s passing. For her, there is no more pain and suffering only the joy of being reunited with her son and all the other loved ones who went before her. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Don at this time.
    Sincerely,
    Vanessa

  25. Dearest Claudia,
    I’m so sorry for your lose. Your mother is beautiful and I’m so glad you were close. I am holding you in my heart and also your sister. Peace and love to you, dear.
    Hugs
    Linda

  26. Claudia,
    I am so sorry. Please know that my thoughts are with you and your family. *a thousand hugs*

    Regards,
    Linda

  27. I’m so very sorry to hear about your momma Claudia. Go slow, be gentle with yourself. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. xoxo

  28. Claudia, so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. Sending thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

  30. I’m so sorry for your loss Claudia. Sending prayers and thoughts to you and your family.

  31. I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad, you and Don, and all your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
    Tana xoxo

  32. To have a wonderful Mother is truly a life’s treasure. Two days ago would of been my Mother’s birthday. She has been gone 8 years now and I still miss her daily. Cherish your Mother love for you because it was truly a gift of a life time. Sorry for your loss.

  33. Dear Claudia – my deepest sympathies to you and your family. It is so hard to lose a mom – nothing will replace her. What a beautiful picture you posted of her. Rest assured she is in a wonderful place and her struggles behind her. I am so sorry for your loss. Hugs, Francine L.

  34. Claudia, I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. May you find her spirit with you to comfort and guide you today and each day ahead. We would love to hear about her when you want to write about it. What an amazing gift to have had a wonderful mother you adore. The photo is gorgeous and she looks SO much like you!

  35. Uma bela foto. Ela era muito linda. Ao ler seu post lágrimas me vieram aos olhos pois me lembrei de minha mãe que se foi em 1997. Eu tinha apenas 30 anos. Pense que você é abençoada por ter convivido por tanto tempo com ela. Jesus te de forças. xx.

  37. Hi Claudia,

    So very sorry to hear about your beloved mother’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
    xx
    Poppy

  38. Claudia, So sorry for your loss. It’s hard going on when you loose someone you love so much, but I like to think they are looking down and helping you.

  39. Dear Claudia, Losing your Mom,One of the very worst things (for you) that will happen in your life!
    Please know that my faith and prayers, are with you and Don, and your family. and will stay with you until you can once again stand on your own. All Love and prayers, Judy A

  40. So very sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. I know from reading about her from you and your sister how hard is was to watch her slipping away. May your loving memories help you both through these difficult days ahead.

  41. Beautiful photo of your Mom, Claudia. My love and prayers to you and your family. I’m so sorry for your loss, I’m happy that your Mom is now at peace.

  42. Dear Claudia, my heart is just so full of emotion after reading this post. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. The photo of your mom looks so much like you. What a wonderful tribute to your mom that her daughter remembers her as being a wonderful mom. Take time in the next few days to reflect on all the wonderful memories of your time together. I’ll be thinking of you friend.

  43. I’m so, so sorry, Claudia, to hear about your mom. I will be thinking of you. The picture is beautiful; you look so much like her. Hope your father is doing okay as well; he will miss her so.

  46. Oh, Claudia, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. xoxoxo

  47. Claudia, I am so sorry for the loss of your Mom. May God comfort you as only He can. You are in my prayers.

  48. My condolences to you sweet Claudia. May you feel comfort and peace, my prayers will be with you and your family.

  49. The mother memories that are closest to my heart are the small gentle ones that I have carried over from the days of my childhood. They are not profound, but they have stayed with me through life, and when I am very old, they will still be near.

    by Margaret Sanger

  50. Your mom is finally at rest. Free of the pain and stress of illness. But, you and your family are left with the loss and sadness. Sending prayers for comfort to you and yours. You look so much like your mom, Claudia. She will be with you anytime you need her. Just talk to her and I believe she will hear you.

  52. Claudia – We are never prepared for this, and even more time with them would still not be enough time. My prayers and deepest sympathy and thoughts I send to you and your family. What a blessing your mother was to a lot of people, and such a beautiful person. Please take care of yourself at this time – we all care so much for you.

  55. Claudia, I am so sorry for your loss. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

  56. Dear Claudia, there are no words to describe what you are going through. Time will help you and your family and remembering all the happy moments with your mamma.

  57. Oh Claudia…my heart is breaking for you. I am so sorry for your loss. Take care…sending prayers and hugs to your family.

  58. Our mothers are special people. We fought with them, but loved them. We learned from them, and loved them. We had laughs and fun, but above all else we loved them. I am sorry your mom has gone onto the Lord. Her memory will always be alive in your heart.

  59. Claudia, My heart aches for you dear one. I lost my mother & father just 2 years ago. It is a feeling like no other to lose our parents. Rejoice in the memories of happy times, grieve for the moment. Your wonderful mother is gone but not forgotten. Sending you peaceful thoughts and wishing you and your family time to heal. With heartfelt sympathy and love.

  61. Peace and blessings to you and your family. Praying for comfort for you all. So sorry for your loss.

  62. I am so sorry to read about the loss of your Mother. I will be praying for you and your family.

  63. Big hug, Claudia. I remember how shell-shocked I felt when my mother died, seventeen years ago, even though we knew it was coming. You must be feeling that way now. It gets easier with time. I am so sorry for your loss. That photograph is lovely. It’s like looking at you in vintage clothing and hairstyle. Same smile. Same eyes. Same sweetness. I have no doubt that your mother looks just like that in the hereafter. Beautiful, happy, vibrant, and free of the tired shell she was living in. Talk to her; she is watching over you. Be very still, open your mind, and look for little signs and messages. She will be fine, and so will you. With love, Nancy

  65. Dear Claudia, My thoughts & prayers & love go out to you & your family at this time of great loss. Peace be with you.
    Love, Linda

  66. Upon waking this morning, my first thoughts were recalling that it was 5 years ago today I received the call that my dad, who suffered from Alzheimer’s, had died. For me, there was such conflicting feelings. Of course there was the sorrow that comes with losing a parent but also a degree of relief in believing that he was finally free of the awful disease that robbed him of really living the last years of his life. It is so excruciatingly painful to watch someone you love shrivel up and become an empty shell of the person you once knew. My heart goes out to you and I extend my deepest sympathies to you and your family.

  67. Sorry to hear about your mom. There’s just no way to prepare for their leaving this earth. What an amazing relationship your mom and dad had!

  68. My heart breaks for you, Claudia. I am so very sorry for this terrible loss. I can’t imagine what you’re feeling and send love and prayers your way. xxxx

  69. I’m so sorry for the loss of your beautiful mother. Will be keeping you in my heart and prayers. Peace be with you. {{hugs}}

  71. Wonderful words. I am so sorry for your loss. My Mom passed away a year ago and I find I am remembering her as a young mom raising her family quite frequently, with love.

    Hugs and love to you and your family Claudia.

    Joy

  72. So very sorry, Claudia. And thank you for including the photo of your mother. Her beautiful spirit is very evident, and lives on in you. Take care.

  73. I am so very sorry for your loss, Claudia. You need some time away to remember and cherish all the times you had together. She will live on through all the values she instilled within you and your siblings. You have said before that for the past while you knew you had already lost your mom, but the finality of this day is brutal. Since I lost my mom almost 8 years ago, I am always watching for “signs” or messages from her. I see them everywhere. I have always heard that cardinals are those who have passed coming to visit. So I talk to the cardinals at my feeders every single day. We find comfort in the little things that remind us, and thus keep those we love in our lives forever.
    You look so much like your mom! I think that from reading all of these comments you do know that there are so many who care for you, and every one of us is wishing you, Don, and your family peace and comfort in the days ahead.

  74. My family and I send sincere condolences on the loss of your Mother. You look so much like her and so she will always be alive in you. Forever Loved.

  76. Your mother will always be with you, Claudia. Mine has been gone for almost twenty years, but I think of her — and my father — every day. People who have shaped us are always a part of us, aren’t they. Your resemblance to your mother is so strong that she’ll always be in your mirror. My thoughts are with you.

  78. Claudia, So sorry for your sad heart at the passing of your Mom. How wonderful to have had someone you adored for all those years–what a blessing. Sonja

  79. Claudia, my deepest, most sincere condolences. Cherish your memories and she’ll never be far from you.

  81. Claudia, please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your mother. I hope that you and your family will be surrounded with love, comfort, and peace.

  84. Oh Claudia. My heart is with you and Meredith and the entire family. I had read on Mere’s post yesterday that the end was near. I’ll be praying for you, that you will feel peace.
    Blessings,
    Betsy

  85. Been there.
    Heartbroken only partly describes it.
    You have my sympathy and empathy.
    I have physical pain, reminiscent of my own loss, for you.
    Take time. Be good to yourself.

  87. Claudia- I am truly sorry for your temporary separation. You will meet again. Take any time you need to reflect and adjust. We will be here thinking of you.
    hugs,
    suezk

  88. I’m so very sorry for you and for your poor father who will be suffering so at losing his lifetime partner. She was a very beautiful woman and I like to think those who suffered so much at the end are in the next place singing and dancing, free of pain and confusion. Have a good, long sleep and come back to us when you are ready.

  90. Claudia,
    I am so sorry for you loss. You and your family will be in my prayers. I lost my mother when I was very young, 16. I still miss her every day.

    Blessings

    Linda

  92. She is free now. That’s all I can say. I hope you and your family will be able to be together to share happy memories and lots of joy that she was and is a part of you always.

  94. I’m very sorry for your loss. My own mom died suddenly 32 years ago yesterday. I still miss her and wonder about questions I never got to ask. You look a lot like your mom in the beautiful photo above. I hope you will feel her presence to comfort you very soon.

  95. Oh, Claudia, i am so sorry to hear of your loss. It is never easy to lose a loved one even if the end is expected and in some cases even welcomed when we know that they are suffering. i have lost both parents, one very suddenly and one after being in ill health for many years; neither of these losses was easy.
    Your mom was very beautiful; i think you look like her.
    i will be praying for your comfort.

  97. Dear Claudia, you now have another angel looking out for you! Moms are special people, aren’t you glad you had her for so long! I had mine for 90 years! I also think you have a remarkable resemblence to your Mom – you will see her every time you look in the mirror! love, hugs, prayers & sincere sympathy.

  98. Oh Claudia, I’m so very very sorry. For you and your entire family – and very especially your dear Dad. I can’t believe you even have the wherewithal to post today. I’ve lost both parents but still feel the hurt of their losses and think of them multiple times every day. I hope the following will help you in some small way to get through the difficult days ahead. Remember the good times – there were many of them, I’m sure. Remember that your mom is now totally-free of the pain and limitations her age and condition placed on her. Remember that she’s with your brother and everyone else she loved who went on before her. Remember she’s finally earned the reward she lived her life to get. Remember that she will also be with you and watching over you. Always.

  99. I lost my mother to Alzheimer’s disease, too. It is bittersweet. While your mom has been released from her pain and confusion, you lost a mother and that is so hard to accept.
    You will always miss her, but you will always have wonderful memories and will carry her in your heart.
    Blessings
    nancyr

  102. Claudia,que c’est triste ,j’allais dire comme Nancy juste avant moi.Vous savez je pense que notre mère vit encore en nous.
    Claude

  104. Claudia,
    My thoughts are with you. I lost my mom, dad, mother-in-law and a sister- in- law in 2010 so I understand your pain. I, like you, also felt relief that they were no longer in pain. Remember the good times……..

  106. Father,
    We come before your throne with broken hearts. Claudia, Meredith, their sister, children, nieces,nephews and father are hurting. You know our inmost workings and we ask for grace for these of your children. Wrap them in your love, hold them in your arms, sing over them. This beloved woman has left this earth. Her family is in grief and need your comfort. We thank you now for all that you have done and will do for them.
    In the name of our sweet Jesus.
    Amen

  108. Claudia, Sympathies and love to you. Holding you in my thoughts. Your loyal friend from blogland, Pam in Burleson, TX

  110. Sending you and your family our deepest sympathy. Please allow yourself time to grieve and remember all the wonderful moments and time you had with your mother when she was free of pain. Sending you a hug today of comfort. Marcy

  111. I’m a recent fan of your blog…been reading thru your wonderful archives but haven’t commented as yet. This news prompts me to do so, tho. I am truly very sorry for your loss. You have my deepest sympathy and sincere hopes for comfort during this sad time.

    Karen

  113. Claudia, I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family as you journey through this together <3

  114. Wishing you the peace and stillness to process this loss in whatever way you need. With empathy, Penny

  116. My heart goes out to you Claudia, such a sad time for you. Take good care of yourself and take plenty of time for peace and quiet reflection. Lots of love from far away. xx

  117. My heart hurts for you! I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful mother. Mine passed away a year ago this past Dec. and I miss her still every day. It is something you never get over but one just learns to live with the grief. My thoughts are with you and your family.

  120. I’m also sending hugs and sympathy to you and your family. What a beautiful Mom you had, inside and out! Prayers to you and Meredith and your family.

  122. So sorry for your loss Claudia, I lost my mom 17 years ago and at the time I was not sure how I would even breath without her. I can tell you we are stronger than we give ourselves credit for at times like this. Focus on the time you had with her, not that she is gone, it may help. We are blessed to have had them. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.

  124. So sorry for your loss, Claudia. Losing a parent is just hard, even when expected. Blessings to you and your family.

  125. I am so sorry for your loss Claudia. Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers.

  126. My heart is with you Claudia, and your family, as you all transition to life with your mama’s physical presence. I’ll be sending light beams of peace to you across the blogosphere, that you will be comforted in this time by the many lovely and loving memories you hold in your heart of your mother’s life. I’m truly sorry for your loss. I still miss my mama who left us 19 months ago, so your grief is shared. I understand.

  128. Dear Claudia and Don my deepest sympathy on the passing of you beloved mother. Remember and cherish all the memories that you and your family that you made in her life time. Even though now your heart is broken in time some of those cracks will be filled and the pain will be a lessen. You will miss her for all time. Pslam 139:9-10 And if I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.

  129. Claudia,
    I’m so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers. May you be surrounded by gentleness and comfort.
    Sarah

  131. I am so sorry for your lost. She is free! There will be glory in the morning for her soul.
    Hugs, Linda L in Texas

  132. Sorry for your loss, Claudia, your life will never be the same. We lost our dad fifteen years ago, I was 50, but have felt like a child. Hugs.

  134. Claudia, I have been tied up with life and not blogging,, but for some reason I happened to check in today and just saw this. I am so very sorry. You are in my thoughts for peace and healing.

    In sympathy and love,

    Sheila

  136. I am so sorry sweetie..I was away all day and just found out..knowing it is best for her doesn’t make it easier for you..I have no doubt that she was a wonderful Mom..just look at who her daughters are..I will be thinking of you..you take as long as you need and know that we are with you in our heads and hearts..love you my dear friend..Hugs..

  139. Oh Claudia, I am so sorry. I know you will be a great source of comfort for your Dad and Sisters. I hope that you will be able to find comfort too. Prayers on their way for you and your family.
    Blessings, Joanne

  140. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Your mother was beautiful and find comfort in your
    memories of her.

  142. So sorry ,dear Claudia,may you truly feel supported and embraced by Love and Peace as you make your way through this heavy hearted place.

  144. So sorry for your loss. You have your moms smile. My dad passed away a year and a half ago ( at 93). I still feel the pain and sadness but not anything like it was. Not that time makes me forget……I love and miss him…..but I’m thankful for all the time I spent with him and for having him as my dad. Truly sorry you have to go thru that pain. Blessings. Pat Mc

  151. claudia
    my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family… the photo is gorgeous.. and i hope you will remember her that way.. smiling and happy and healthy.. i have lost both of my parents and my hopes are that you can soon have healing and peace. you are a wonderful person and i am thankful for your words of wisdom… sending gentle thoughts and big hugs
    xoxo
    lynnl

  154. Claudia, I am so sorry for your loss. May your heart be wrapped in peace and strength as you come to terms with the empty space she will leave. I lost my sister last week who was 50, so I was really sensitive to your sad news. I will be lifting your family up in my prayers in days to come. Fondly, Sandra

  155. Claudia, I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear Mother. It is so hard to lose your Mother. I know, I lost mine in 2006. But please be comforted in knowing that your sweet Mother is now at peace. Treasure all of the good memories. Hugs, Laura L

  156. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones on the passing of your mother. May God give you comfort.

  157. I too am very sorry to hear about your great loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this sad and difficult time.

  158. Dearest Claudia,
    I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved mother. nothing I can ever say to you is going to help right now. I speak from my heart when i say i know what your going through. My beloved husband has been gone for seven months now and I am just starting to feel a little more normal (if that’s the right word). Take a much needed break and be with the people that love you the most. My thoughts are with you and your family-god bless
    April xo

  161. So sorry to hear about your Mom. I am sure she is at peace and with other family members as you said. I can’t believe how much you two look alike. She was beautiful.

  163. Wishing God’s blessings be bestowed upon you and your family today and always Claudia. I lost my best friend of 54 years today, my Mom…my angel here on earth and in the heavens. God Bless You Mom!

  164. I am so very sorry for your loss. Sending many prayers your way and to your family. Hang in there.

    XO,
    Jane

  168. Te acompaño en estos momentos tan tristes , quiero mandarte mucho ánimo y un fuerte abrazo . Ella era muy guapa .
    Muchos besos para toda la familia.
    Adelina

  170. Oh, Claudia. I am so sorry for your loss. Peace and blessings to you and your family.

  171. Claudia- I have no words
    “May the grace of The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen”
    Philippians 4:23
    Pat

  172. Claudia, you are very much in my thoughts and prayers. Take care and God bless you and your family during this time of grieving the loss of your dear mother.

  174. I guess I am just back because I keep thinking of you and the sadness you are going through..wishing there were something I could do or say..even though I know that there never is..I miss you dear lady..Hugs..

  175. I’m so sorry for your loss, Claudia. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs, Deb

  178. I’m so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. Her picture is beautiful and you look so much like her. I pray you will find comfort and peace as the days go by. It is so difficult to say goodbye to a loved one but I found comfort in knowing that my son no longer suffered any pain or distress and I’m sure you feel the same even though your personal loss is so painful. My prayers and thoughts are with you, Blessings, Ann

  179. I am behind on my blog reading, and just learning about your sad loss. I am so very sorry. Take care of yourself and let yourself be taken care of during these emotionally draining days to come.

  180. Dear Claudia,
    I have been sitting in hospice for my own mother since the 21st and missed the post of your mom’s passing. The pictures you posted of her are lovely- I see such a resemblence to you. My heart goes out to you and yours during this sad time of passing and adjustment.

  181. Claudia,

    So very sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. She was beautiful. I definitely see a resemblance. May you be comforted by warm and loving memories. Sending you hugs.

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