Sep 24, 2014

September 11th Has a New Meaning

My mother passed away in the early morning hours of September 11th.  She took her last breaths while I was talking to her and patting her face, trying to get her to respond to me.  My siblings and I have taken it very hard. 

Mom was always so vocal about how proud of us kids (and grandkids) she was... to anyone who would listen, lol.  She was our champion.  We miss her so much!

Her Life In Pictures
8th Grade - Circa 1958
She was a hairdresser before coming to the U.S.
Circa 1965 - 20 years old
Wedding Day - 1967
(Wasn't she beautiful?!)
Newly weds
 
New Mom (with me)
She worked on the assembly line putting curtain rods together.
Her coworkers said she was good, a harder worker... and tough!
Birthday Kiss
Mom loved to cook and knew how to put on a spread!
Aunt Emiko, Dad & Mom
(Aunt Emiko came from Okinawa for a visit)
2004 - Still beautiful!
(We used this photo on the memorial cards)
Mom and Me - 2007
Christmas 2013 - The last photo of my parents together
Mother's Day 2014 - The last photo taken of my Mom
If you remember, I had said in my Dad's pictorial that I had hoped my Dad was fishing and drinking beer with his brothers. Picture that, and then my Mom strolling up saying "Hi Hun". Then my Dad saying, "What the hell?!" (You'd have to know my Dad and how funny that scenario is to me.)

I know I should take comfort in the fact that neither of my parents are suffering anymore, and that they're together now. My emotions are just to raw right now to take any comfort...

Until Next Time,

89 comments:

Scooty said...

Oh Meari, I'm so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. There is no one that can take the place of a mother. I'm glad she is finally at peace. You now take the reins and move into her position and be the person she knew you would & could be. Bless you at this trying time. Judi in Phoenix

Blu said...

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry, again, for your loss, Meari. I love the pictorial that you put together. It definitely shows her personality.

Sandy in NM

Joy said...

My sympathies on the passing of your mother. I watched my father struggle with breathing issues the last years of his life and I know that it zaps the livelihood right out of you.

What country was she from originally? How did she end up in North America?

Faith... said...

Sorry for your loss Meari. Your Mother was very beautiful and I am sure she is very happy yo be reunited with your Dad and I am sure he feels the same way; even if his fishing and drinking time is over!

Shelly said...

So sorry. My sincere condolences to you and your family.

Anonymous said...

sorry for your loss ♥♥♥

*-* said...


Dear Meari,

I send you enfolding hugs & hope the pain of loss of your Dear Mother is sumountable, with time.
Kay.

Mouse said...

((hugs)) Meari ... loved seeing the photos of your mum when younger ... beautiful post in such a very difficult time ... love mouse xxxxx

cucki said...

I am so sorry for your loss my dear
Sending you prayers and love x

SueH said...

The comfort will come it time Meari, I promise.

It’s hard loosing anyone, especially your parents, so try to remember in your grief to take a little time for yourself, free of guilt and focus on all the good and happy times you had as a family. Judging by your photos of your mum and your dads memorials, you had many of them.

Thinking of you at the very sad time.
Love and (((hugs))))
Sue
x

Justine said...

So sorry to hear of your loss. Thank you for sharing those lovely photos of your Mum. She was beautiful.

Bruna Aguiar Melo said...

I'm so sorry sweetie.
She was beautifull!
May her soul rest in peace.
xoxo

Kay said...

Meari, I am so very saddened and sorry to hear about your mother. This has been such a rough year for you and your family. Take care of yourself and take each day as it comes. My heart goes out to you. Beautiful pictures of your mother.

Thoeria said...

Oh Meari...a beautiful tribute to a beautiful woman. You and your family are in my thoughts xx

Anonymous said...

Meari,

I am truly so sorry for your loss. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

Carolyn NC

Berly said...

Your pictures & your memories are beautiful. Hold on to them. (((Hugs)))

Anonymous said...

Ohhh, Meari,

My heart is breaking for you and your family.

Sally

Irene said...

My thoughts are with you Meari.

Anonymous said...

Oh Meari,

my heart goes out to you and your whole family. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all. Will be thinking of you.

Melissa J. in SW Ontario, Canada

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry Meari gentle hugs

Kim

Vickie said...

I am so sorry Meari. I am glad you were with your mother til the very end. Hugs and prayers for you.

Anonymous said...

I am so very sorry for your loss, Meari. The memorial on your blog is beautiful.

Karin

Anonymous said...

Meari,

Sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. May the Lord give you and your family strength and comfort during this difficult time.

Val

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear that, Meari. My sympathies to you and you family.

Marti

Anonymous said...

Dear Meari,

I'm so sorry to hear your mom has passed away. What a beautiful lady she was. She looks so happy in her photos. I'm praying for strength to get you through this difficult time and for healing to bring you peace.

Hugs,
Marina

Anonymous said...

Dear Meari,
My love and prayers are with you and your family. I am so very sorry.

Big hug
Frances xxx

Anonymous said...

Oh Meari,

Im so sorry sorry about your mom's passing. What a living doll she was! I love the wedding picture, she was so radiant!

My brother in law, Eric, got married on September 11th. So turns out, every day is one of joy in one family, sorrow in another family.

Wish I could hug you, sweetie, and tell you how sorry I am about your precious mom.

Lynn

Kathy A. said...

Dear Meari. I am so very sorry for your loss. Your tribute to your Mom is special. You can see that she meant the world to you. Sending hugs

Katie said...

Oh Meari I'm so very sorry. Words can't express how sad I am to hear your sadness.

Emily in NC said...

I'm so sorry, losing two parents so close together is really hard. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Cricket-bug Corner said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. Only time will ease the pain.

Anonymous said...

I am sorry for your loss. She was a very beautiful lady - her whole life.

Anonymous said...

Dear Meari,

So very sorry to hear of your mothers passing. Thoughts and prayers are with you.

Love and hugs,
Brenda H
Blue Ridge Mtns of VA

Anonymous said...

I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you

Pam R in So Calif

Anonymous said...

Meari - I am so very sorry to hear this. Please accept my sincere condolences. You are in my thoughts & prayers.

Hugs,
Char

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry Meari

Hugs Vicky in AU

Carol said...

Oh, Meari, I can only imagine what a huge hole you must have in your heart... I can't imagine losing one parent, let alone two so very close together. Your mother was a beautiful woman who raised a beautiful family. Please know I'm thinking of you and wish there was some way I could make this time in your life easier. Sending a caring hug your way...

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry to hear this, know that you and your family are wrapped in my prayers.

*hugs*
DJ

Anonymous said...

Meari,

I am so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. How sad and difficult for you and your siblings - losing both parents. How blessed that you have eachother and take comfort in the love of family and friends and your wonderful memories.

The tributes you did for both parents were lovely. Thank you for sharing.

Thoughts and prayers to you and the rest of your family,

Nancy V

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear Meari, prayers to family and friends…hugs to you

Pat

CJ said...

Meari -

I am so sorry to hear about your mom. The photos are lovely, such a nice way to share her with all of us.

Thank-you.

CJ

Anonymous said...

Oh, Meari,

I didn't know this news, I'm so sorry to hear this.

Christine - nannystitch

Christina G said...

I thought something was off as I haven't been able to stop thinking of her or you in the last few weeks. There is no comfort to be given or taken. Just BE. Hugs, Christina

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Loved the photos of her life. She was a very beautiful lady.

Alicia

Anonymous said...

Meari -

Keeping you in my thoughts at this difficult time.

Linda M
Morristown, NJ

Anonymous said...

Oh Meari - I am so terribly sorry. I had a feeling something was wrong.

I will be praying for you and your family.

Blessings, and love,
Donna

Anonymous said...

Meari

sorry to hear of your mother passing away.

Paula

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss Meari.

Debi

valerie said...

I am so sorry to hear this news about your mom, Meari. It's a beautiful tribute in photos and your mom was a beauty. Big hugs to you.

Anonymous said...

Im so sorry Meari, didn't you just lose your dad few mos ago

Hugs, Ethel

Anonymous said...

Meari,

I send you my most sincere condolences. It takes a long time to heal when you loose someone who is very dear to you.

You and your family are still in my thoughts and prayers that you with each day the pain you feel now will slowly turn to good memories.

Big hugs,
Tara Kimberley Torme

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear of your sad loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Roz

Diana said...

To hear that your mother died on my thoughts are with you

Nancy M said...

Meari, I'm so sorry to hear of your mothers passing. You must have some comfort knowing you were there comforting her. You've had a hard year losing both parents so close together. Hold your memories of her close to your heart and she will always be with you.

Anonymous said...

What a lovely pictorial tribute of your mom Meari! She was indeed a beautiful woman! Some of the photos make me think she must have been much like my own mother! She has always been a lot of fun too! I know there are no words that will comfort you in your loss, but I am very sorry for the loss of both of your parents so close together. That must make it all the much more difficult.
[[[[[[hugs]]]]]]]

Happy Trails,
Pam K. in TN :o)

DebbieSFL said...

Meari, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Bette said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Remember the good times and maybe some of the pain will diminish.

Carm said...

Your mother was a very beautiful lady! Take time to grieve and remember the wonderful yrs with your parents. We all are so very sorry you had to lose your parents so close together. May God be with you.

Anonymous said...

So sorry for your loss. Time will make the loss a little easier but you have lost both parents so please grove as you should. When my Dad passed, I found myself crying at the oddest moments but eventually I was able to think of him w/o breaking down. Took awhile though.

Shirla Ghadaki

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry Meari, my heart is heavy for you, sending hugs.

Mary I

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear about your mum Meari, our hearts are with you

Hugs Jo x

Anonymous said...

Meari,

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

-- God bless--
Patricia Cecilia (aka Dr. P in NC)

Anonymous said...

Sending good thoughts and hugs to you and your family as you get through this very difficult stage of your lives.

Lynne

Anonymous said...

my sympathies to you and your family Meari. This has been such a difficult year for you.

Kathy N in sunny southern Alberta

Anonymous said...

Oh Meari I'm so sorry. We all dread that day. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Patti

Carol R said...

Sorry to hear of your mother's passing. Sending you hugs across the ocean!

Linda said...

I am so very sorry. You remain in my prayers at this difficult time.
Linda

Debs said...

Meari, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. Big hugs go out to you.

Jennifer M said...

Meari your tributes to your parents are wonderful. I am so sorry for your families and know how hard this is. We always need our moms especially at some point or another. I miss mine dearly. I'm sorry your losses were so close, I can't imagine. Hugs and prayers to you

Anonymous said...

Meari,

I am so sorry for your loss. I can't even imagine what you are feeling right now, such big losses so close together. Praying for you and your siblings.

SusanMarie

Anonymous said...

Sending prayers for you and your family Meari, it’s always hard to loose a loved one.

Hugs, Shirley in KY

Pam in IL said...

Oh Meari, I'm so very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Sending many hugs.

Miriam Pauline said...

Meari,
I am so sorry for your loss. Praying as you cherish memories you find the peace you need. Be gentle with yourself---this is hard, very hard. Hugs.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry, Meari. You've been through such a lot recently and you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Hugs,
Lynette Davies

Melody said...

I'm so sorry to read about the loss of your Mother. I am thinking of you. Take care.

Sharon said...

Oh Meari,
I am so, so sorry for your incredible losses. Please know that all of your on-line friends are lifting you up in our thoughts. Many gentle hugs....

Anonymous said...

Meari -

So sorry for your loss! Will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers!

Marge

Anonymous said...

Meari,

So very sorry for your loss. May your parents live on in beautiful memories.

Gentle hugs.

-Linda

Anonymous said...

(((((Meari)))))

I just returned from vacation and saw the post on SC. I was so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. To lose both parents so close together is heartbreaking.

All my thoughts and prayers are with you and your siblings.

Marcy

Anonymous said...

Meari,
I've been without a computer for over a week, so this was the first I heard of your mother's passing. I am terribly sorry for your loss, you and your family will be in my prayers tonight.

Ann

Anonymous said...

Oh, Meari,

I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your beautiful mom. Your tribute to her on your blog was lovely. My heart aches for you and my thoughts are with you.

Dorrie
Prague, Czech Republic

Anonymous said...

Hi Meari,

I'm so sorry! You have been through more than your share of grief. Gentle hugs and thoughts going your way.

Love,
Sandy P.

Anonymous said...

So sorry for your loss. I lost my Mother several years ago and I know that it is hard to deal with. My prayers are with you.

Janee

Kate said...

Meari, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos and memories.
Kate

Anonymous said...

So sorry, Meari.

Warren

Anne said...

Oh Meari, I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. Your mother and father were such beautiful people and I can imagine both of them together, at peace. Sending you hugs and prayers.

Anne

Anonymous said...

Meari, my deepest sympathy to you and your family, please know that you Mom is not suffering any more.

Marl

Sharon said...

Dear Meari, I am so very sorry your loss. Your mom was truly gorgeous. You and your family have had such a difficult year and you have handled everything with such strength and grace. My sincerest condolences and blessings you and your family. Your parents are together again as bittersweet as that is for your family.

I am very sorry, I had not seen this earlier as I am not on my blog feeds much these days.