Monday, December 07, 2009

I Need Time

Thankyou for all the concerned messages and emails regarding my absence, they are much appreciated.

On March 23rd, my Mum was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and we were told they could not operate.

I spent a wonderful nine months caring for her, living next door to one another made it possible for me to be with her daily and our relationship grew to a depth I will be eternally grateful for.
Together we remained positive throughout, living each day, making memories, never allowing her illness to take more from her than it had already stolen...I am so proud of her, she showed amazing understanding, courage, strength, and love.
A true lady.

On November 3rd, I moved into the family home to help my Father care for her and on the 9th we said our last goodbye. She passed peacefully, with family, in her own home.

We miss her deeply.

I am lost.

51 comments:

"JeanneG" said...

I'm so sorry Anita. I am so glad you were make her last days peaceful and build even more memories. Hugs.

Deepa Gopal said...

I am deeply moved and sorry for your loss. All the same happy to hear that your bond grew strong and you were able to care for her in her days of need.
God Bless You and help you overcome your loss.

Lisa at Greenbow said...

I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. I wish you peace and strength.

Serena Lewis said...

OH, Anita....I am so very sorry for your loss. I can only imagine the heartache you must be going through at this time and I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. My sincere condolences ~ xo

Joan Sandford-Cook said...

Well done Anita. I've been scanning your blog daily to see when you felt strong enough to make this announcement. Hope you manage to read this amongst what is going to be a storm of responses from your worrying fans.

Nina Johansson said...

I am deeply sorry for you loss, Anita. Glad to hear though, that you and your Mum were able to share such a rich time together before the end, that must mean a lot to you now, and I am sure it did for her too.
Thinking of you, hope you find strength in the midst of your loss.
Hugs
/Nina

Liz Steel said...

Hi Anita, SO sorry to hear of your loss.... I have been wondering if everything has been ok. Huge hug from me and the bear!

Gemma Mortlock said...

I am so sorry for your loss, My thoughts are with you and your family. I wish you a warming and contented Christmas made more special by your dear memories you all hold together of your wonderful mum.
I'll light a candle for you xx

Anne at Film and Thread said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom. It must be especially rough this time of year because the holidays will feel so different. Your Dad and you will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Capt Elaine Magliacane said...

Oh Anita, I'm so sorry for your loss. We have all missed you and been concerned about you... Know that you are loved and that people all over the world are praying for you.

Ann said...

I am so sorry. Take care.

Vicki Holdwick said...

Anita,

My heart goes out to you. I am so glad you had this special time to say your goodbyes and build memories.

Take care and I look forward to reconnecting with you again when you are ready.

xoxo

Jo said...

Anita, I am so very sorry to hear of your loss.

I hope that you can take comfort in the memories of those many special times that you shared with your mum.

Thinking of you and your family, take care xx

Stephen Hall said...

A challenging time for all of you, my heart goes out to you and yours. Keep well and take each day as it comes xx

donna said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that I am thinking of you and your family.

Anonymous said...

I am sad for your loss---the time will come when you will feel her strength help you cope and remember the good times....Winna

Rhonda L. Cooper said...

Sorry for your loss. May you and yours find peace and comfort.

MaryO said...

Anita dear, I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. She will always remain in your heart.
My sweet mother died 17 years ago and I still miss her daily, but her love is always with me.
Treasure your memories.........

andrea joseph's sketchblog said...

So sorry, Anita.

Sandy said...

Oh Anita, I am so sorry for your loss, but she will be with you always. Such a lovely post, I do know that pain.

Revelle Taillon said...

So sorry for your loss. I lost my Mom a few years ago on Mother's Day. It was hard. Hope you heal soon. We have missed you.

Alan said...

I am so sorry for you loss Anita. I wish you peace and healing for your heart.

Kate (Cathy Johnson) said...

I am so very sorry, Anita. I know how lost you feel when you lose a beloved parent.

Anonymous said...

I am very sorry for your loss.

seesue said...

Öh Anita I ache for you and your family and rejoice in the wisdom of your outlook. Hugs all 'round!

Anonymous said...

Oh Anita....I'm so sorry for your loss....please give my condolences to your father and your sweet boys. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts.
deni

Jennifer Lawson said...

Anita, I am so sorry for your loss. Your lovely post was so full of love and caring for your mom and like her you showed amazing understanding, courage, strength, and love.
Thinking of you—Jennifer

vickylw said...

I'm so sorry for your loss, Anita.
". . . understanding, courage, strength, and love" --- I think you must take after your mother. You are an amazing woman.

Ginny Stiles said...

Oh Anita...I read all the comments and there are no more words that I can add except that you have written about your mother with such love and you have told us about how it went and about both of your courage. This is a HUGE gift to us all. Thank you for sharing.

Leslie said...

Anita, I am so sorry to hear of your loss! I am praying for you and your family.

Spinneretta said...

Anita, I am so sorry to hear of your loss, that is such a hard thing to live through.
I am glad you got to spend lots of time with her- those precious last minutes/hours/days will be a balm for your wounds in the future- because you know that you loved your mother- and she knew it and felt loved.
You are in my prayers,
~Rachel~

Anonymous said...

I am very sorry for your loss - and so glad that you were able to share those last months so closely. That must mean so much to your family.

Sandra said...

Your mother was very blessed to have you. Cherish all the memories. My sincere sympathy.

Joan said...

Anita - I am so sorry for your loss! It is never easy to lose someone we love, and the loss of a mother is really hard. I still find myself wanting to pick up the phone and call mine to share things, and she's been gone for 12 years now. I'm so glad you were able to be there with her and share those last moments. Your wonderful memories of her will help somewhat. All the best!

Victoria Robison said...

I am so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

E-J said...

Just sat here and had a cry for you, Anita, as I tried to decide what I could possibly write. My heart goes out to you, your dad and the rest of your family. Xx

Anonymous said...

Dear Anita,
Deepest condolences to you and your family. How great that you and your Dad were able to make your Mom's final days so beautiful. May her memory cheer and comfort you.
Joan Gillman Smith

Marissa L. Swinghammer said...

So sorry for your loss. But how wonderful that you were able to give your mother your time and love like you did. She must have done a great job raising you and I'm sure she is proud of you.

Margaret Ann said...

Anita, you also...are a true lady...with boundless love...I hold you in my heart and wish you days filled with light.

Jill said...

Heartfelt sympathy Anita, the last few months you have spent together are precious beyond words.

Lisa at Greenbow said...

Anita, I was thinking about you this afternoon. I hope all is going as smoothly as one could expect. Be sure to know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Blessings and peace offered for you.

Nancy said...

Anita--I am so sorry for your loss--I'm so glad that you were close to her to be able to help her through this. I hope you will be able to find some solace in your journaling and art. We will all be here for you...if you need someone to listen. ((((((hugs)))))) from afar.

Donna said...

Sorry to hear about you mum, Anita. I lost my mom in 1993 from cancer and I loved her dearly. After awhile you will smile when you think of her and remember the good times. The pain will ease with time.

RobCarey said...

I'm very sorry to hear of your loss. May God grant you his strength, Anita.

Unknown said...

So sorry for your loss Anita. Will be thinking about you.

D M N said...

Anita, My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I lost my mom in September, and today, I find that I still need time. I took care of her since November 2005. We had good days and bad. Anyway, God Bless.

Anonymous said...

My heart is heavy for you Anita. I too cared for my mother while she suffered, and then passed away from brain cancer. I cherish those memories now. It has been 5 years for me. Five years of taking it one day at a time, and putting one foot in front of the other. I am not sure how it happened, but gradually my heart began to heal, and the pain turned to loving remembering. For my father too. I'll pray that happens for you also.
Colleen

Rose of Sharon said...

Am so so sorry to hear about your Mom. My mother is 96 and it is such a interesting/sad journey to deal with the mortality of our parents. Am so glad for your closeness and intimacy with her before her passing! What a blessing! Blessings to you and yours

Anita Davies said...

Thank you all so much for your kind words.

Quilt knit said...

May you be Blessed with Sweet Memories. My condolences to all of you! Your Mom was a very courageous lady. May we all learn from Her example.

Sherrie Roberts

Claire M said...

Blessings to you and your family as you remember your dear mother. Thank you for sharing your reflections it gives me something to think about in my own life.... life is too short.