Condolences to Michigan_Mike

Thanks for sharing Verna and a deep-hearted "Thank You!" to all of my friends here on the forum for your compassionate, thoughtful and caring comments at this sad time.  My mother would have been humbled by all of your sweet, comforting and generous comments.  In the past I shared similar comments from Facebook for birthdays and other special occasions and a radiant smile came across her face and she'd say something like, '"No kidding!!!? How sweet of them to be so thoughtful and nice!"  

My birthday was yesterday and it was difficult as I have a hole in my heart missing mom and wanting one final moment with her to share her presence, have the grand kids with her once again and to just cherish and enjoy the quality time with her one last time.  I'd thought about postponing the birthday party but knew in my heart that she'd have nothing of that suggestion and was telling me to go forward in life, have fun and enjoy the family and the day.  

And as it went my brother stopped over and we were reminiscing about mom and that she never realized just how many people she'd touched in her lifetime and how special she was.  My mom loved to bake, made great cookies, pies, cakes, jam, etc. and she shared all of it with friends, family and neighbors.  I had to laugh because my brother would get jars of jam from my mom, he'd take them up north to his lake home in Norhern Michigan and shared them with nearby neighbors.  They started asking for more and little did mom know she'd attained celebrity status up there and could easily have sold it for profit!  😀

She was a quilter too and we all have been blessed with personally signed and dated quilts.  She even made me one for my former Silvershadow trailer and made a University of Michigan pillow case too!  So with that said I miss my mom today, but know I will see her again.  She had been excited and was looking forward to attending the birthday party & BBQ and had purchased a gift, signed my birthday card and enclosed a gift inside the card.  I'm left with a beautiful card, a gorgeous/flowering plant and a bag of sea salt dark chocolate she was to get today for another's Day.  This will be a difficult week as we will celebrate her life next Saturday to accommodate travel for two brothers living in Florida.  But I was blessed and am fortunate (as was our family) for her love, thoughtfulness and generosity throughout the many years she was with us and I will keep her memory and spirit with me until we meet again.  

Thanks again dear friends for all your kind thoughts, prayers and from the heart comments, enjoy these days, have no regrets and regardless of how busy life becomes, take some time to share some special moments and love with those you love and care deeply about as tomorrow may never come.  

God is bless you all and safe travels!  

@Michigan_Mike
Thanks for sharing your thoughts & memories of your Mom. As I was reading, those were hitting my heart strings with an added tear as well. There will be days when it hits you like a ton of bricks, and days you'll have a pleasant smile, and a little more zip in your step. The important part is to keep ALL those memories & thoughts close to your heart & soul until you meet again. My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family, and you're right, savor the time you have with the ones still here. You never know for how long.
Travel safe, love deeply & sincerely, put a pleasant smile on your face, put one foot in front of the other & enjoy the rest of your journey.  
Eric