Finally a few moments to catch up on my blog...
Last Saturday as we were flying back to Canada my dear Mother-in-Law passed away peacefully in her sleep after a long and intensely sad struggle with Alzheimer's disease. I am filled with admiration and respect for this incredible woman who is survived by a loving husband, 18 wonderful children, 44 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. My in-laws immigrated to Canada in the 50's by ship, and then took the train across the prairies settling in Alberta. A few years later they returned to Holland, homesick and with a few more children in tow. But that didn't calm my Father-in-Law's itchy feet and once again the family was packed up and moved back to Canada, this time to south-western Ontario, where we buried my Mother-in-Law this Wednesday.
We mourn the passing of a woman who baked her own bread, created beautiful pieces of art with anything from wool to embroidery floss, sewed wedding dresses for all 6 daughters and both daughters-in-law, raised 8 amazing children, and always maintained a peaceful and perfectly kept home. Death hurts us most because we are separated from the ones we love and we miss them so very much, but with long term Alzheimer's we've missed our sweet Mother-in-Law for a long time already. Now our only consolation is knowing that her suffering is over and that God has taken her by the hand and welcomed her to heaven. If anyone deserves to be there, it is her.
Last Saturday as we were flying back to Canada my dear Mother-in-Law passed away peacefully in her sleep after a long and intensely sad struggle with Alzheimer's disease. I am filled with admiration and respect for this incredible woman who is survived by a loving husband, 18 wonderful children, 44 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. My in-laws immigrated to Canada in the 50's by ship, and then took the train across the prairies settling in Alberta. A few years later they returned to Holland, homesick and with a few more children in tow. But that didn't calm my Father-in-Law's itchy feet and once again the family was packed up and moved back to Canada, this time to south-western Ontario, where we buried my Mother-in-Law this Wednesday.
We mourn the passing of a woman who baked her own bread, created beautiful pieces of art with anything from wool to embroidery floss, sewed wedding dresses for all 6 daughters and both daughters-in-law, raised 8 amazing children, and always maintained a peaceful and perfectly kept home. Death hurts us most because we are separated from the ones we love and we miss them so very much, but with long term Alzheimer's we've missed our sweet Mother-in-Law for a long time already. Now our only consolation is knowing that her suffering is over and that God has taken her by the hand and welcomed her to heaven. If anyone deserves to be there, it is her.
A Beautiful Large Mobile in Toronto Airport's New Terminal 1
20 comments:
I'm sorry for all of you, for this finality, but even more for the desperate years that happen before, due to Alzheimer's. My mother is in care with it, and I know only too well how it feels to be a stranger to your parent. I know how it feels to regret so much what is lost to that person who wakes up in an unknown world filled with strangers everyday and wants to go home to a house that burned when she was six years old.
You are right that she is now beyond a suffering we can hardly imagine. Let that be a consolation, Kim.
My sympathies to all of you.
I'm so sorry.
I can certainly relate to part of what you're feeling as I am still dealing with the recent loss of my mother. Although some have tried to console me by saying that she went quickly and didn't have to suffer, there is still an ache in my soul that I feel everyday.
My condolences to you and your family. May Oma be free as a bird in the heavens.
In these trying times, our comfort comes from remembering our late loved ones warmly, and spreading that warmth among family and friends. In this way, the goodness that we derived from our family past, is passed on to our family present, and to each other that we touch kindly.
My deepest condolences to Peter and you and all your family.
Warmly,
Larry
wow - she lived a long life filled with a ton of family members. I hope at least she got to enjoy some of that time with the family. Best wishes to the family and you. Hope you can get back on track and enjoy the summer in Canada. :)
Been thinking of you in the midst of sad events that unfortunately we must face during our life time......
Sincerest condolences to Peter, you and the entire family.
You and your family have my heartfelt condolences. Your mother in law sounds like she was an amazing woman.
What a beautiful mobile to capture the freedom Oma now has. You all are now "free" from that dreaded disease. May you all grieve well and fully. May you find Oma everywhere you go and smile, knowing she is at peace, finally!
I delight in knowing you and Peter are a consolation to each other.
Oh you are all so very kind. Your words are touching and mean an awful lot to us. Thank you!
you read this and I have this tinge of fear that my mother will go one day. We would all say she lived a wonderful life but in the end she will be gone and missed many times particularly by her favorite son.
That being said... probably the nicest thing you can say about a person is that "if anyone deserves to be in heaven then its her"
I'm so sorry for your loss Kim. My grandmother passed away two years ago now after a long battle with Alzheimer's. It is hard to loose someone you are close to day by day as they slip slowly from you. I hope you and your family can find comfort in knowing she is no longer suffering from this terrible sickness for which we must find a cure. You are all in my thoughts.
My condolences as well, Kim. I'm so sorry for your loss. Your mother-in-law sounded like someone worth knowing and you were lucky enough to have had that privilege.
Our love & prayers are for each family member, especially your Father. He has lovingly cared for your Mom during this sad and painful time when Alzheimer destroyed the person she was. We'll pray that sweet memories of her will help you through these days of loss. She will be dancing in the streets and Heaven it will be filled with the sound of her laughter! With love - Carl & Lee
Sorry for your trouble Kim. I hope you have a refreshing time at home and we look forward to seeing you back here in Tirana soon.
I'm sorry for your loss, both as the Alzheimer's set in and now that she is gone.
All my best to you and your husband's family.
We were sorry to read this - our thoughts go to you and your family.
Alzheimers is a terrible disease - I have no doubt she is at peace now.
A fitting photo to go with your beautiful words T1. My condolences.
so sorry to hear, but death is in itself a celebration. Thinking of you...
What a sweet tribute to your mother-in-law. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers, I am so sorry for you loss.
I found this quote in a book called "Tuesdays with Morrie". It gives me comfort when I am missing a loved one who has passed.
"As long we can love each other, and remember the feeling of love we had, we can die without ever really going away. All the love you created is still there. All the memories are still there. You live on-in the hearts of everyone you have touched and nurtured while you were here".
Oma will live on in the hearts and memories of all those who loved her.
Cyn
your mother in law sounds like an amazing woman! I'm very sorry about her passing away. our thoughts are with you.
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