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May 11, 2007
Rest, my Mom
November 19, 1931 -- May 11, 2007 10:46 AM
She held me at the moment of my birth. Today, I held her at the moment of her death. The last words she heard on this earth was Augie and me telling her – Augie’s “Angel Face” – how much we loved her.
She was my mother, but she was his life partner and they’d been together for the past 35 years. How to console him? He wanders aimlessly about the house. I have no words and my own tears come all too easily to offer him solace. It’s just the two of us here now. I wish we had a house full of people that demanded our attention.
She loved this blog. When she was well, she would read it three or four times per day. I would always try to be sneaky and get in a post and then quickly call her so that I could tease her that I had a new post up that she hadn’t read.
As I’ve mentioned before, my mom had serious heart problems, brought on by years of smoking. When I started law school 3 years ago she had already had 3 open heart surgeries including having a heart valve replaced. She had emphysema, and was confined to a wheel chair and an oxygen tube. But, she promised me that she would live to see me graduate law school. She did one better – she waited to see me pass the bar. Yesterday, I sat with her and showed her photos of our new logo. She approved. My mom suffered much these past 6 months and I’m so very happy that that suffering is over. But, oh how I will miss her. I will hold her forever in my heart.
Farewell, my dear mother. Sleep in peace. You are forever loved and forever remembered.
12:53 PM in Family | Permalink
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Comments
Oh, Denise. I'm so sorry to hear this. If the affection of someone you don't know from the internet is worth anything, know you have mine.
Julie
Posted by: Julie Carter | May 11, 2007 2:03:26 PM
I'm so sorry, Denise. I always thought your family was so lucky to have your mom based on her frequent comments here. My best to you and Augie.
Posted by: Rayne of Terror | May 11, 2007 2:08:15 PM
I'm so sorry, Denise. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Posted by: Amanda | May 11, 2007 4:35:33 PM
I'm sorry to hear that. Like Rayne, I always noticed her loving and supportive comments on your blog. Even just reading her words, I could tell how much she loved you and how proud she was of you.
Posted by: CM | May 11, 2007 5:28:25 PM
Thank you, Ladies, so very much. For some reason, your comments here are very comforting to me. I've found myself going back and re-reading her comments today. Her funeral is tomorrow - Mother's Day - and today I just have to take care of myself and Augie. This helps keep my mind distracted, I guess. Anyway, thanks again.
Posted by: Denise | May 12, 2007 8:27:56 AM
Forgive me, darling, for sharing some of what I wanted to say about your mom to your readers as I try to help you through this time of grief.
The facts about Anna Foreman’s life wouldn’t tell you much about who she was. To say she was a wife, a mother, and a grandmother would be a bare starting point. She was so much more than that to her family.
She was so sharp, so sassy, yet so soft when you needed her to be. Anna had her share of rough times, but she was not hardened or sullen; on the contrary, she was full of humor and wry introspection about the turns her life had taken.
No matter what her own worries were, she was an absolute rock for her children, unwavering in her love, and steadfast in their defense.
She was given the gift of a loving and thoughtful husband, and while sparks occasionally flew between them, those sparks were signs of a fire that always burned warmly.
Anna delighted in her grandchildren, doting on their pictures, crowing about each big and little accomplishment, and anxious to hear their latest news.
Anna loved her family, not in the way people ordinarily do, but fiercely. And they felt it, and they knew that being loved that much was something special.
She also loved life itself and all its beauty. She loved life so much that, even as progressing illness filled her days with struggle and pain, she would smile and say she was still having fun. But when she was no longer able to focus on anything except the struggle and pain, she announced it was time for her to go.
Anna lived her life fully, and loved with all her heart. That’s probably the best thing you could say about anyone, and we should strive to live up to her example. I am sure she will be the first to agree.
Posted by: The Girl | May 12, 2007 6:07:22 PM
there are no words {{{{{{{hugz}}}}}}}
Posted by: nexyjo | May 13, 2007 3:53:32 AM
Denise, I'm so sorry.
Posted by: Kim (LawMom) | May 14, 2007 8:50:22 PM
We had her funeral on Mother's Day. All of my children were there (yes, all). Augie continues to have really bad moments and is fearful of the future, but I know we'll all do what we can to help him. I am leaving Florida tomorrow to return home (I missed the big meeting/Lobby Day in DC) but will be back here in 10 days to help him sort through things and get the proper paperwork filled out.
Thank you all -- especially The Girl, for her first-ever comment on my blog -- for your support. I say again that despite the cyber basis of this support and friendship, it has been very helpful to me.
Posted by: Denise | May 14, 2007 11:02:24 PM
Oh, sweetie! I am SO sorry for your loss. I know how much your Mom meant to you, how much you loved her and how much she loved you. Take care of yourself and of Augie. I know how hard this is for all of you, but you should know that we all are with you. My deepest sympathies to you all.
Posted by: Jami | May 15, 2007 9:44:19 AM
(((Denise))))
The Girl did, indeed, write lovely words about your beloved Mother. I am sorry to hear of your loss, but am glad that she is at peace.
(((Mom)))
Godspeed ...
Posted by: greymatters | May 15, 2007 12:53:37 PM
I never thought it would be possible to be in tears for someone I never met...but,I am...
I feel privileged that you informed me. Thank you Denise.
I used to feel so happy that your mom used to comment on my blog. Though I knew she was much older than me I just felt like she understood me. I am sure she was very,very special...
*Big Hug*
Someday if I am in Michigan I will go and 'see' her.
Rest in peace Anna. Hope all those lovely angels make you feel comfortable and happy.
Posted by: Sunrayz | May 15, 2007 3:22:24 PM
Denise -
I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you, your dear mother, and your family.
Posted by: Legal Quandary | May 16, 2007 11:38:17 PM
So sorry for your loss....
Posted by: donna | May 22, 2007 12:06:04 AM
What nexyjo said.
Posted by: Zoe Brain | Jun 3, 2007 12:24:19 PM
I'm so very sorry for your loss, but so happy that you were so close to her. It is so hard to lose a loved one no matter how long the process or what graces the passing brings. Remember it will be a year of firsts without her and then some. She was rightly proud of you. Take care.
Posted by: Mart | Jun 7, 2007 6:12:15 PM
My and The Girl's thoughts are with you, and my apologies for not reading this sooner.
Posted by: RSLS | Jun 17, 2007 3:56:25 PM
You women are all so awesome. Thank you for your condolences and support. RSLS, the time matters not. Y'all are very special and I appreciate it.
We are having a formal memorial service next month in Denver, where she raised her children (and two of them still live) and most of her family and friends reside.
It's been more than a month and I just miss her terribly. I used to share everything with her and I still find myself thinking "I need to call Mom to tell her this..." I am trying to learn to "call her" inside my heart.
Posted by: Denise | Jun 18, 2007 5:52:34 AM
I was very sorry to read this news, Denise. Your Mom was a gem.
Posted by: BoSox | Jun 19, 2007 10:57:22 PM
Yes she was, BoSox. Thank you.
Glad to see you're still around. You're still in A2 finishing up your other degree, right?
Posted by: Denise | Jun 22, 2007 8:51:42 AM
Denise I am so sorry to hear about your mom. Reading this brought tears to my eyes in pain for you and the girls.
Posted by: Amanda | Jun 26, 2007 12:39:52 PM
I'm sorry for your loss, Denise. I can tell that your mom loved you fiercely. At times like these it's hard to understand why something like this happens, but just cherish the love you had, and the love you received.
Posted by: Marti Abernathey | Aug 14, 2007 6:19:47 AM
