57 Comments
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Vivian Bercovici's avatar

Condolences, dear Terry. You always spoke and wrote of your mom so lovingly. And proudly. Sounds like a life lived fully and beautifully. BDE

Lazarus's avatar

Beautifully written on deeply personal story. It takes a special person to write what you did. I salute you as you deal with her passing.

Sheldon Meingarten's avatar

I am so sorry for your loss. From your description she was an amazing woman and while 102 is a good many years, it never seems to be enough.

Your cousin Douglas' line "she was the last of them" brought to mind the feeling I had when my father died. Even though I was grown, had children of my own and had been self-sufficient for many years, it felt as though I had lost a layer of protection. As I told my sister, "We're the village elders now."

May her memory be for a blessing.

Just keep swimming's avatar

Just getting to this letter now.

So sorry for your loss. It is never easy to lose your mother no matter how old they are. Some days I miss my mummy so much it aches. She's been gone 8 yrs. She was old , but still I ache. She was from the old country and brought all the good stuff with her ... talent, endurance, humor, faith ... so similar to your Mum.

And so we must march on. It's our turn to carry the torch and light a way for our children. If only we can be as generous and brave as those who went before us.

God bless Terry.

Victor Salus's avatar

A beautiful tribute to a wonderful woman. The inevitability of a parent’s death doesn’t make it any easier when it happens. My condolences to you and your family.

Peter Denomy's avatar

A beautiful tribute Terry. My condolences for your loss.

Jonathan Roth's avatar

My condolences Terry. Wishing you and your family peace and comfort during this time.

John R's avatar

Deep condolences Terry,....mournful but beautiful tune to touch the soul.

CoolPro's avatar

Very sorry for your loss. Everyone has their time, and your ma certainly had more than most. You honour her well, but it still does and will leave a hole in your heart. You should write that book.

Jacques Dumais's avatar

An interesting and touching story about your mother. I offer you my condolences

Bill Kinnon's avatar

Your Ma sounds most wonderful, Terry. A blessing to you all and by extension, all of us. Would that there be many more like her.

Kelly Whitehouse's avatar

Beautiful tribute, though just a dip into the tremendous lake of her life. Deepest condolences Terry. God bless.

David Roytenberg's avatar

So sorry, Terry, to hear of your mother’s passing. May her memory be for a blessing. Wishing you comfort and loving family and friends at this sad time.

Roxanne Sukhan's avatar

Thank you for sharing her with us. Losing your ma sucks. She’s with you still. May her memory bring you comfort.

Gerald Pelchat's avatar

My father served and passed at 97 yrs. While there was a feeling of sadness, it was overshadowed by my sense of pride and thankfulness for what he and his fellow travelers did ( your mother included). You have much to be thankful for.❤