Happy Mother's Day ... Mom

It has been 4 years since my Mom passed away (April 28, 2003) from her own "monster". It was a shock to me and to everyone since just 3 weeks early my Dad also passed away (April 06, 2004) from old age. My Mom was 66 and my Dad was 76. Within 3 weeks, my entire family became orphaned so to speak.

During my ordeal with the monster, I have been thinking of Mom a lot. I have been hoping that she would come visit me in my dreams or send me some other kind of sign that everything would be OK. I wanted something to happen just like my experiences with the toonies. When my sister gave me a toonie that she found, it just felt right that Dad would be sending me a message through my sister. You see, I believe, God, the Higher Power, works through people who are "in tune" with the Will of the Big Guy.

My Mom was very good to me, just like all mom's are. She taught me lots of life's lessons, but the biggest one was how to accept impossible situations that we have no control over. It was during the 3 week in April, 2003 that I seen her strength. I believe my Mom was in a lot of pain but she would not complain. I am sure she felt alone because she just buried her husband of 49 years of marriage but she didn't express self pity. She just stayed primarily in her bedroom on the farm and listened to all the chatter of her family who were in the house trying to make her last days comfortable.

It was during one of these days that I did one of best things I ever done for Mom. She was in her bedroom resting. She was trying to get some sleep but it was difficult for her. I laid down beside her and asked her to place her head on my shoulder and have a rest. She looked at me and said "you know I will snore, Harve". "That's OK Mom". She placed her head on my right shoulder and drifted off for a short sleep. She snored and it was wonderful. As we lay there, I knew this would be the last time I would be so intimate to my first love, my Mom. I thought of all the good times and bad times in our past, but most importantly I prayed to God and tried to express my gratitude that my Mom gave me life. I am proud of those 10 minutes. I hope I made Mom feel that she was not alone before she graduated from her human experience. My mom passed away on Monday April 28, 2003. She certainly taught me how to face the unknown with courage and faith.

I have had small reminders and spiritual visits from Mom during the past couple of months. When I get scared, I think of Mom and how she handled her monster situation. I still pray to Mom for strength, courage and acceptance.

I miss you Mom. Happy Mother's Day!