Fifty Plus (50+) - OT: Lost my mom today...

After taking a fall on Christmas Eve, my mother became bedridden and her body began to fail her. This morning, at age 84, she passed away quietly, at home, with my father at her side. They had been married over 66 years.

I'll be leaving tomorrow for Florida for the services and to be with my family once again. I am grateful for having had both my parents for all of my life, and for the inspiration they were to me.

I'm really not sure why I'm posting this here. It's not bike-related. I'm doing okay -- we all had time to prepare ourselves for the inevitable. She's finally at peace; her final days were agonizing for everyone, because she was in great pain.

I'm also grateful that in the past few years, I really connected on a deep level with both of my parents, and was able to tell them how much I love them and what they've meant to me. Not everyone gets that chance.

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. I really connected with my father after he took ill and I believe it helped me a great deal when he passed.

You have my sympathies. I wish you and your family strength and peace over the next few days. I don't know what it's like to lose a parent yet, but I imagine it's a kind of coming-of-age threshold. meaning: you now have to stand on your own without the benefit of having your Mom to turn to. I've been told that only time and distraction can help overcome great loss such as this. Take some solace in knowing that you are not alone.

Sorry to hear of your loss. Have a safe trip.

Our most sincere condolences on the passing of your Mom, may her memoires bring you some level of joy in this time of reflection.

I'm also grateful that in the past few years, I really connected on a deep level with both of my parents, and was able to tell them how much I love them and what they've meant to me. Not everyone gets that chance.

DG, I'm very sad to hear about your Mom. It's priceless that you got to really connect with them.

So now be with your Dad. He needs you now more than ever.

Digital, am sorry for your loss and grateful for their marriage and your reconnecting with them. I am truly sorry and equally grateful for your family ties.

I think you post here because this group will really understand and care about "all" that you are going through. We all have grown up during the same time periods, experience many of the same national and international stuff as a generation. At our age, and because of what we have all been through, we are more of a family.

NOW, go to Hallmark, pick out a nice card from me, post my avatar inside it and mail it to yourself. Pretend its from this old dinosaur.

DG, my sincere condolences to you and your family.

D.G. Our condolences on the loss of your Mom. How blessed your folks were to share 66 years together.

You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Very sorry for your loss. Peace.

We add our condolences.

Be sure to take it easy. Even a good death is hard.

My condolences and so happy to hear about the deep loving connection that is there. RIP Mrs. Winters.

I'm also grateful that in the past few years, I really connected on a deep level with both of my parents, and was able to tell them how much I love them and what they've meant to me. Not everyone gets that chance.

No, not everyone does get that chance. You are one of the lucky ones. I'm sorry to hear of your loss and understand the release that comes when a loved one is no longer suffering. I suspect you'll carry her with you the rest of your life. I hope you are able to help your father get through this difficult period and that you find the support you need to do so as well.

DG, I'm sorry to hear of your loss. I'll include her in my prayers. Stay strong, your dad need you more now than ever.

My sincere condolences Digital Gee.

Condolences, our thoughts are with you.

DG, my thoughts and prayers will be with you. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Where in FL do your parents live?

DG, I'm very sorry to read of your loss. My father passed away right before Christmas, so I know what you're going through.

Gary, I extend my sincere sympathy to you and your family.

My sincerest sympathies. It is a great relief for your mom to be out of pain.

You will be a wonderful comfort to your father.

You posted here because we are your friends and we like and admire you.

My sympathies to you and your Dad. Most of us on this forum have gone through something like this, or are about to go through such events, and can really relate. Peace and comfort to both you and your Dad.

My condolences Gary, have a safe trip.

Sorry DG. It's been 1 year and 2 weeks since my mother passed and we never got close. Also never really made peace with my father, he passed in 1994. It's good that you have connected and told them how you care. Fewer regrets that way.

Thank you all for your kind words; they mean a lot. To the person who asked, I'll be going to Melbourne, Florida.

I've spoken with my oldest daughter but have to wait for my youngest to get home from school. Those calls are so hard to make!

I've made all my arrangements with clients and have my airline tickets. I'm hoping the rain storms here in Southern California have no impact on my traveling east. It's raining VERY hard today. I've been keeping busy all day with simple to-do's, like laundry and errands and such, and, of course, the phone calls that I have to make.

I'm glad I posted here about this because it's amazing how connected I can feel with you all during this time. So thanks again.

Here's a picture of my parents I took about 18 months ago. It's how I'm going to remember them.

My sincere sympathy to you and your family. Losing my mother was the worse thing I've been through. Losing my Dad was the second worse.

At 84 she had a full life. Consider yourself blessed, and amidst all the mourning, also celebrate her life.

My deepest sympathies. Have a safe trip.

My sincere condolences. Those of us that have both our parents with us well into our 50s and beyond are truly blessed. My wife was orphaned by the time she was 40, while mine are both alive and well today at 84 and 77.
I cherish every chance to visit them as I did earlier today.
Cherish the many great memories they gave you.

I am very sad to hear of your loss, my prayers will be with you and the family. Sad day for sure.

Thought I had posted something. Guess someone took offense and deleted it? Can't say I know why. Let me try again:

Condolences for your loss.

My sympathies to you and your family.

DG,

Very sorry about your loss. Great photo above, and great observation about connecting with your parents.

Hope your trip to Florida goes well.

My condolences, as well, DG. Sorry to read this. :(

That's a great picture of your folks. Hang in there.

I'm very sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers in the coming days. Have a safe trip.

After taking a fall on Christmas Eve, my mother became bedridden and her body began to fail her. This morning, at age 84, she passed away quietly, at home, with my father at her side. They had been married over 66 years.

I'll be leaving tomorrow for Florida for the services and to be with my family once again. I am grateful for having had both my parents for all of my life, and for the inspiration they were to me.

I'm really not sure why I'm posting this here. It's not bike-related. I'm doing okay -- we all had time to prepare ourselves for the inevitable. She's finally at peace; her final days were agonizing for everyone, because she was in great pain.

I'm also grateful that in the past few years, I really connected on a deep level with both of my parents, and was able to tell them how much I love them and what they've meant to me. Not everyone gets that chance.

I too am very sorry for your loss. My Dad passed away this past December 8th at age 90. While he, and your mom, had pretty long lives, it still hurts badly for a while.

My best wishes to you and your family.

My condolences Garry. Have a safe trip.

Thoughts and prayers.

My sympathy. Wishes of comfort and strength, Gary

“There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are messengers of overwhelming grief...and unspeakable love.”

Washington Irving

The best wishes of myself and my family go with you.

After taking a fall on Christmas Eve, my mother became bedridden and her body began to fail her. This morning, at age 84, she passed away quietly, at home, with my father at her side. They had been married over 66 years.

I'll be leaving tomorrow for Florida for the services and to be with my family once again. I am grateful for having had both my parents for all of my life, and for the inspiration they were to me.

I'm really not sure why I'm posting this here. It's not bike-related. I'm doing okay -- we all had time to prepare ourselves for the inevitable. She's finally at peace; her final days were agonizing for everyone, because she was in great pain.

I'm also grateful that in the past few years, I really connected on a deep level with both of my parents, and was able to tell them how much I love them and what they've meant to me. Not everyone gets that chance.

So sorry to hear about this, DG, my condolences. It is heartening to see you not only let your folks know what they meant to you, but that you appreciate that fact as well. All the best to you.

I am sorry to hear that. It is a hard thing to go through and I hope you and your family do well.

Pat

Gary-everyone should be so lucky to have had a Mom and Dad like yours. Thanks for letting us know and give your Dad and family our best.

sorry for your loss.

Gary, here is a poem that helped me get through the passing of my mother 2 years ago. I hope it helps you.

"I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky mingle with each other.
Then someone at my side says "There, she is gone."
"Gone where?"
"Gone from my sight. That is all."
She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as when she left my side and she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port.
Her diminished size is in me, not in her. And just at that moment when someone says "There, she is gone" there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout - "Here she comes!"
by Henry Van ****

I am really sorry to hear of your loss. My 84 year old mom lives next to us and every day with her is a reason to be thankful.

Reading your gentle and sad post made me stop and recall my parents whom I lost years ago... but in so many ways they still walk along beside me. Surround yourself with your daughters and family and accept the pride and pleasure you, a thoroughly good guy, brought your mom...and dad.

So sorry...

Seems as if your Mom had a wonderful, long life. Stay strong!

my sincere condolances.

train safe-

Godspeed on your journey.

My condolences and the picture expresses everything