Zoaring With Glinda

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Sweet Flo

My mom's favorite flower:  Gardenia
So many of my fellow bloggers have accompanied me on the journey when Florence came to live with me in 2007 after her stroke.  There were lots of good times and some occasional bumps in the road. 
Well, no more bumps for Mom.  On Sunday as I held her hand and brushed her hair, she joined the many family and friends awaiting her arrival in heaven.  I had asked her to send me some signs that she was still around me, and this gardenia was the first one.  When I left my house on Sunday to be with her, this flower was a closed bud hardly ready to begin to bloom. When I returned, it had flowered. 
While I can't quite grasp life without her, I am certain that she is in a very peaceful place hugging people she hasn't seen for years.  At 102 years old, she had watched many family members and friends precede her on that journey into the great beyond. I kept telling her that they were all preparing a big party for her arrival, and hadn't found a space quite big enough to accommodate the crowd.
Mom was kind, thoughtful, and a beautiful person much loved by all who met her in those 102.5 years.
Unforgettable.  God bless her and keep her safe.

Labels:

posted by Mare at 6:05 PM

12 Comments:

  • I don't care what one's age is, it's still hard to lose one's mother. I know you loved Flo dearly. My thoughts are with you.

    By Blogger Jean, At May 27, 2014 at 6:40 PM  

  • thanks for introducing your mom to all of us blogging friends-you been an amazing caregiver and daughter. may your memories of your mom's graduation bring you joy as she goes forward to plan your welcome home party one day in the future....hugs!

    By Blogger Great Grandma Lin, At May 27, 2014 at 9:45 PM  

  • I am saddened by your loss. Thanks for letting us know Mare. Thinking of you.

    By Blogger Christine, At May 28, 2014 at 12:03 AM  

  • Oh Mare, I'm so sorry. Even when you know it was her time to go, it's hard to say good bye. You have been such a loving daughter. I've loved reading about the fun times you had with Flo. I'm sending you a hug from Hawaii.

    By Blogger Kay, At May 28, 2014 at 3:28 AM  

  • Oh we all grew to love Flo through your blog and felt we knew her. I am so sorry Mare... Losing your Mom is still losing your Mom.... Sending hugs ....... Michelle

    By Blogger RamblingWoods2.com, At May 28, 2014 at 9:36 PM  

  • Because of you, Mare, we all came to love Flo. God speed, Dear Lady.
    Thank you, Mare, for letting us know, and for letting us comfort you now in your loss.

    By Blogger Linda Reeder, At May 29, 2014 at 1:48 AM  

  • I wanted to respond, so I have been contemplating exactly what I want to say about this blog. I loved visiting your home when Flo was with you. You know how I loved being called "Sweetheart" even though I was far from the only one! However, I never shared with you that I marveled quietly at how remarkably strong I thought she was. When Mickey was deployed in Iraq twice, I considered of the "what ifs" way too often. Yet, there was Flo living probably close to 50 years after your brother's death in Vietnam. Every time I saw her, i thought of him (though I never knew him) and her loss and also her strength. And my mind wondered just how she did it and had done it for all those years…long years…no phone calls, visits, or letters in the mail. It moves me deeply that she is reunited with him now. What a reunion that must have been! Godspeed, Flo! I hope it's a glorious journey and worth the wait!

    lv (like you needed my initials!)

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At June 1, 2014 at 2:25 PM  

  • I am so sorry to hear of your loss, I will keep you in my prayers.

    By Blogger dellgirl, At June 9, 2014 at 6:00 PM  

  • Just wanted to stop by to see how you are doing and wish you a good week! (((((Hugs)))))

    By Blogger dellgirl, At June 30, 2014 at 5:53 PM  

  • I'm so sorry for your loss. I am just now reading of it because I've been away from blogging. Your mom was truly a great lady from all you told us. You two are an inspiration for all that you did to make her last years comfortable. You have been a wonderful daughter. God bless.

    By Blogger Sally Wessely, At July 2, 2014 at 10:43 PM  

  • I was thinking of you today... I hope you are ok...hug... Michelle

    By Blogger RamblingWoods2.com, At September 3, 2014 at 9:39 PM  

  • What a beautiful, beautiful blog. And what a beautiful, beautiful person she was. She always put a smile on my face. How wonderful that you had her for the many years that you did. Really loved visiting with her when I had the chance. You two had a sweet relationship that went well beyond any others. She will be missed.

    -mls

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At September 15, 2014 at 10:14 PM  

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]



<< Home