May 23, 2017
My beautiful mother is gone. She passed away Friday, May 19th at 2:30 in the afternoon.
My heart is broken. I cannot seem to stop crying. But I know she is rejoicing. She is free. Hovering above our mourning, I know there were shouts of joy as unseen loved ones circled round her.
She was courageous to the very end, hanging on until my sister Deb could arrive and we were all there. We had spoken with my brother Dave, who lives in Houston, on the phone about an hour earlier and it pained us not to have him with us.
While we gathered around her bed in watchful reverence, holding each other, and my Dad holding her hand, she took her last breath. My beautiful, brave Mom.
Doug noticed soon after her passing that the birds were singing. We opened the window wide and listened. Birds were her favorite. And we knew they were singing for her, singing her home.
Watching her body fail those last two days was the hardest thing I have ever experienced. That moment, that moment she left us, was a moment of sorrow unlike anything I have ever known. So devastating but so very holy.
All kinds of words, emotions, last moments, and memories, are swirling in my head. I am scribbling them on bits of paper here and there for now. And when this week is over, I will take time to share with you all that has happened.
My Dad and I finished her obituary yesterday morning. You can read it here. So much to love and admire about her.
What an honor to say I am, and always will be, her daughter.
Photos by Michelle Lehnardt
knit one, knit two
Oh Cath, I am so sorry to hear this. I'm glad that she is free from suffering but so sad for you and your loved ones. Keeping all in my prayers, sending thoughts of peace. ❤️
catharvy
Thank you sweet lady. Bless you.
Monica Geary
I am so sorry. This brought tears to my eyes as I read this. She must have been an amazing woman to have raised you. My heart goes out to you and your family. ❤️
catharvy
You are dear Monica. Thank you.
Ace and Waleena...Two people, actually
One of the most consoling thoughts I had after the death of my beloved father was that now he was free from pain and free from fear. That did not make me miss him any less, but it made me (and makes me) able to bear it. Sending love to you at this very difficult time.
catharvy
It does bring peace, doesn't it? Love you!
Margo
I am so so sorry for your loss. Your writing about her, and her illness, has been beautiful and profoundly moving. You are all in my prayers. All my love. x
catharvy
This is so very kind. Thank you.
Kierstin
Oh, I am so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful, incredible, talented, strong, amazing, brave Mother. I have loved reading your blog and getting to 'know' your family. We are friends of Mike & Jill. Please know that our prayers are with you at this difficult time.
catharvy
So sweet of you to leave a comment. Thank you. Mike and Jill have the best of friends. You all seem to mourn with each other so beautifully.
Anne Marie
My dear, dear friend, you have been in my thoughts and heart. I love you so much
catharvy
Anne Marie, the flowers, white and pristine and full of glory, were perfect. I can't thank you enough for your compassion through every stage. I love you.
Michelle
My heart and thoughts are with you, Cath.
catharvy
Thank you Michelle. 💗
Denise Schild
Cathy, I have been following your blog for a few years and I have learned so much about so many things and I thank you. This was the most beautiful post. I can't stop crying. You have brought your mom to life in a beautiful way. I feel like I know your family. Your mom was a beautiful woman, and you gave her a great tribute here.