Saturday, January 03, 2015

My Mother


                           

Hello Dear Ladies,

My Mama died an hour ago, in Carrum Downs. She sounded absolutely well when I talked to her just a day earlier. She was 86 years old. I had her in my life a lot longer than many people and it will be hard to get used to not talking to her every day.  She was baptized into Christ when she was 27 years old and somewhere I have a photograph of her standing outside the meetinghouse on that bright summer day in Alaska with my Dad, her hair still wet. She said it was the happiest day of her life next to the day she became a naturalized U.S. Citizen.

Of course I am overwhelmed with missing her. Whenever I called her she asked my husband to pray for her and he prayed out loud over the Skype connection for her, and she prayed for him, too.  These old routines are going to be hard to break, as I know I will dial her number every day for awhile and stop myself when I remember she is gone to her reward.

A lot of you ladies have already said goodbye to your mothers, and I know each one of us thinks we are suffering the worst pain in the world and wonder if we will survive it.

I was making plans to get a ticket to Victoria, Australia to visit her and was going to leave in just a short while. My suitcase is sitting by the front door.

I had two remarkable parents and wish I had learned everything from them and had been more like them.  I am sure many of you feel that way, and that is why we all try to teach the generations to be honoring and wise.

Lydia

98 comments:

Julian said...

So very sorry for your loss. Yet happy that you will see eachother in Heaven. May God comfort your hearts.
Christina

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry. I don't think anything compares to losing your mom. May God bless you and hold you close in your time of need.

in His peace,
Miriam

DeNiece Barnes said...

Lydia, I am so sorry to hear of your mother passing. My prayers are with you and the family. May our Lord wrap you all in his peace and love. My family will be praying for you all.

Enid said...

My mom died 2 and a half years ago, and I miss every single day. I only know she is in a place she wanted to be, and we will be together in time.

I also know God and your loved ones, will be of comfort to you now, and in the days to come.

I am sorry for the sorrow you are feeling and will keep you in my thoughts and my prayers.

Take care....

Mrs. Cote said...

I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my mother seven years ago and I know that pain too well. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May He give you peace the surpasses all understanding.

Mrs. Cote

Anonymous said...

Lydia,

I am so very sorry for your loss. May God comfort you during this very difficult time.

Mrs. W

Susan said...

Dear Lydia I don't know what to say to comfort you at this time. It's such a hard thing when someone dies unexpectedly. It will take some time to accept and understand it but the most comfort comes from knowing you will see her again. I can tell you by experience that she will always be with you in the little things you do every day. Your wonderful memories of her will sustain you for the rest of your life. I hope that you will take some time off to rest and relax and be with other family members who can share your deep sorrow. You are in my thoughts. Susan

Rozy Lass said...

My mother died unexpectedly too. My love and prayers for you at this time of loss. What a blessing to know she was faithful to the Lord to the end of her life. We can look forward to a joyful reunion when we also "graduate" from this boarding school and return to our heavenly home.

Bloomer said...

I'm very sorry for your loss! Our family will keep you and those dear to you in our prayers.
Sincerely
Mrs C

Lydia said...

My husband and I may still go to see my family, if we can manage it and find a reasonable fare...but I will be keeping in touch. When my husbands mother died I felt sorrow but nothing like my own mothers death. Nit is completely different.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss. I will pray for you and your family.
Tamara

Anonymous said...

I am sorry for your loss. It is heart breaking to hear.

Shari

becky said...

I am so heartily sorry for your loss. You will be in my prayers
Becky

Unknown said...

My heart aches with and for you. I am so sorry for your loss. My husband and I will be praying for you, dear one. May God be with you and your family.

Christine said...

Dear Lydia,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I lost my mother only six months ago. Like you, I lived a continent away, and somehow, that made things seem much harder.
Take comfort in what a wonderful example she set for you in your life; an example you were able to set for your children, and in turn, pass onto all who know you (your friends here included).
You and your family will remain in my prayers through this difficult time .
With kindest regards,
Christine

April said...

I am so sorry for your loss.

April said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss, but I am thankful you have God's love and comfort in your sorrow.

Donna

living from glory to glory said...

Dear Lydia, I am so sorry for this shock and heartbreak of the passing of your Mother! I will be praying for you!
The death of our Mothers is very hard on us all as we have such connections from them! I can just see your suitcase sitting by the door! I also was leaving the next morning to visit my Mother and I got the call that she had passed away!
I still went to be with my Father!
I send you a Hug!!
Love, Roxy

Yvette said...

I am so sorry. Please accept my condolences. Praying for God to comfort you during this time.
-Yvette

Anonymous said...

Oh I am so sorry...I'll be praying for you.

Finding Joy said...

I am so sad to hear about the loss of your mother, may you find strength knowing she is now in heaven and one day you will see her again.

In His precious love and care

Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
(Isaiah 41:10)

Anonymous said...

Dearest Lydia,

I am so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. I am a long-time reader of your inspiring and wisdom-based words. Your written work has consoled and comforted me many times over the years. May the condolences you find here bring you comfort in your sorrow.

Love and Prayers,
Karen in Virginia

Anonymous said...

Please accept my condolences for the loss of your mother. You will be in my prayers.

Debra said...

My sincere sympathy to you and your family, Lydia. May God comfort you during this sorrowful time.

Dawn said...

I am so sorry. My mother died suddenly 10 years ago. It's such a shock. No chance to say goodbye.

You were fortunate to have been able to visit her for a long period back when you were helping her move to her caravan.

Cynthia Berenger said...

Dear Lydia,

What an astounding loss! Please accept our condolences and prayers for the comfort of you and your mother's other loved ones. Through your efforts, your mother has blessed us all.

Agape always,
Cynthia

Blessed Homemaking said...

Oh Dear Lydia,

I am sorry for your loss. May God give you comfort during this time. I will be praying for you.

~Mrs.J~ said...

Oh my! I am so sorry to hear this devastating news! Please accept my deepest condolences for your unexpected loss. You are in my prayers!!!!

In Him, ~Mrs. J~

Mrs. Price said...

I want to express my condolences. I am so sorry for your loss. I will be praying for comfort for you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Oh Lydia...words can not express the sadness that must fill you right now. Hold on tight to Our Lord as you walk through this valley. He will offer comfort as always... mari

Michelle said...

Dear Lydia, sending love and comfort out to you xx
I remember when you last came out to Australia to visit with your mother, I was excited because you were only one state away from where I live!

Sometimes it's so hard missing loved ones till we meet them again.

Blessings x

Colleen said...

I am sorry for your loss. I do understand, my mother died 4 years ago and I still miss her everyday but I know the sadness is mine because she is in heaven and no longer suffers. I will be saying prayers for you and your family.

MrsSM said...

I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. I pray the Lord would be with you in a special way in the coming days and weeks.

Thank you for letting us "meet" her through your posts. It was so special to get a glimpse of your time together in Australia.

Blessings on you and your family.

Glenda said...

I am so sorry for your loss. It takes a very long time to stop oneself from dialing that phone. It was several year's after my mama's passing and for some reason that morning I went to the phone to call her.

May God ease your grief and hold you tight as you walk through this journey.

Homemaker's Heart said...

Dear Lydia~ I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my prayers. I don't know what to say except I hope for God's comforting touch for you. God blesses those who trust in Him. You are a dear woman and inspiration to many, I'm sure this came from many teachings from your mom. Hugs to you! In Christ~Dee

Janet said...

Oh, what sadness as daughters bear their Mother's passing. May God be your comfort in this time of bereavement and his peace carry through the days ahead.

Debbie said...

I am so very sorry for your loss. Praying comfort for you and your family.

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear this but so thankful your mom knew the Lord.Praying for you and your family.

Kimberline said...

I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I have so enjoyed the stories you told about your parents and admired your long standing respect for each of them. My condolences. My thoughts and prayers are for you in this difficult time.

May God give you His peace,

Kimber

Anonymous said...

I am sorry for your loss.

Dee/NY

lauraelizabeth4@outlook.com said...

God bless you. I understand your loss and especially your wish that you had learned everything you could from her. Praying for you tonight.

Anonymous said...

Oh Lydia,
I'm so sorry to hear your mom passed. I hurt for you, this is hard.

I remember you sharing about her and all the good times you had in Alaska while you were young. Also of your youth in Australia.
So glad you got to spend time with her last year. You brightened her life while there, of that I'm sure.
You are like her more then you know.
I'm praying that you and your husband are able to get time to spend with your family. I'll be praying.
Love, Janet.

J♥Yce Burrows said...

May God's grace, love, and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 great hope and comfort sweep gently over you all in learning of your mother's unexpected passing; prayerful thoughts and hugs <3

ann said...

i'm so sorry for your sadness and great loss. Ann

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, Lady Lydia. I'll be praying for you and your family.

Jenny

Lydia said...

A heart full of thanks and blessings to you all for your generous sympathy. My husband, am evangelist, will be officiating the funeral so we will be inquiring about tickets when businesses are open tomorrow.

Amy Techentin said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family during this time...

Emmarinda said...

I know the pain you are in. We are reaching out to you with prayers and "hugs". How blessed you are to have had a saintly mother, and that she was able to be with you for so long. I trust you know how your mother, through you, has touched all of us and helped us, through your wise words. I do not think many people realize how important it is that we set a good example for our children. We don't think about how some child a hundred years from now will be affected for good or ill, by what we have instilled or passed on to our descendants. I know you will continue to hold on to all that was good and dear from your parents' lives, and i pray you will continue to share that goodness with us. God bless and comfort you, Lydia, in the days ahead, and God bless your dear mama. May her soul, and all the souls of the faithfull departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to hear about your mother. You and yours are in our thoughts and prayers.

Lydia said...

Emmarinda,

When you have a child, you in a sense you guide the spiritual destiny of another person and perhaps a generation of people.

Miriam said...

My deepest condolences!

Housewife59 said...

Dearest Lydia, I am so sorry to hear your sad news. I can't imagine how you must be feeling. You are in my prayers x

Rhonda said...

Dear Lydia,

May the peace of Jesus rest upon you and bring you comfort in the days to come. I will be praying for you and your family.

Rhonda

Alex said...

I am so sorry to hear this, Lydia.
Wish I could help heal your sore heart, only time and prayer can really do that.
She was a wonderful example to you, and you will carry her character onwards.
God bless you,
x Alex

Alex said...

I am so sorry to hear this, Lydia.
Wish I could help heal your sore heart, only time and prayer can really do that.
She was a wonderful example to you, and you will carry her character onwards.
God bless you,
x Alex

Unknown said...

I am so sorry to hear about your loss, Lydia. My prayers and condolences to you and your family.
Job 1:21. Te Deum.

Andrea R said...

Oh Lydia,

My heart is breaking for your loss. To know she is rejoicing in the Promised Land with our Savior is a wonderful comfort..but your heart is still without her here..

I will be praying for our Lord to comfort you. I am so sorry, my friend.

God Bless you.

The Chickadee Feeder said...

I am so sorry. You're in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this really hard time.

SharonR said...

What precious memories you have to sustain you. What a blessing to have a spiritually minded husband to pray with your mother. What a blessing you are about to go to Australia. Your family over there will be blessed to have you there at this very difficult time. What a blessing you are to all around you, including me, partly because of your precious mother. You are in my prayers, Lydia.

Anonymous said...

My heart is heavy for your grief. When my mother died suddenly while holding my hand 4 years ago, I didn't know how to face such a deep loss. It truly felt as though one of my wheels had fallen off! Healing and peace has come, though. Bless you, dear, as you find your new normal. Sarah from Virginia

lorie said...

I am so sorry for your loss.

A. Law said...

Dear Lydia,
You have my deepest sympathy.
It is so hard to lose a parent. I will pray for you and your family at this sad time.
A. Law

MaryEleanor said...

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. It must be even harder when she lived so far away. May God comfort you at your family.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope one day it is of comfort to you that she went quickly without suffering a long illness.

Gill said...

So very sorry, I know this loss and the time it takes to overcome it.

Lydia said...

Sharon, we will miss those daily sessions with her. It's all very surreal right now.

Unknown said...

Dearest sister, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. May our great God comfort you and cover you with His tender mercies during this difficult time. I know you had very dear godly parents. Praying for you sister. Kelly

Linda said...

Dear Lydia, I am so sorry to hear of your Mother's death. I pray that God will help you with your grief.
Linda

larissa said...

Lady Lydia

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones during this difficult time. One beautiful day, you will be reunited with your mother in His home.

Larissa Sophie

amulbunny's random thoughts said...

So sorry for your loss. I treasure the days I get to spend with my mom. May the Lord comfort you as you and your family deal with this loss.

Lydia said...

She will be with her mother too, and I remember how she wept when her own mother passed away. When she wrote to inform me of the deaths of bother her mother and her mother in law, she said, "Always remember to love, for it is the only thing worthwhile." Her mamas death went very deep in her and I think she grieved a lot over the years. It is sad we are losing our old people. What will we do without them? They seemed larger than life and made the journey here more interesting. My own generation seems dull in comparison but we might gain in character enough for it to be said that the earth was not worthy of us :-)

Tricia said...

I am SO sorry for your loss! May you take comfort in knowing you are in my thoughts and prayers!

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry for your loss.

anglow said...

I am sorry you have lost your mother. I lost mine 2 yrs ago this month. It is so deep a feeling and like no other. My prayers are with you.

Lydia said...

Thanks Angela. See you at your wonderful guest house in a few days. I will make some beds for you :-) and put pictures of your house on my blog.

Barbara said...

Dear Miss Lydia,

Thank you for sharing your sad news with us (sad for you; joyous for your Mother). I pray the Lord will bless you with comfort as you travel and live through this tough experience.

You are an instrument of wonderful blessing to me and so many others. I am sure your mother played a huge part in that.

Lydia said...

Thank you all for your kind and sympathetic comments. My husband has preached a lot of funerals and everyone in our congregation has lost their mothers--he dis the funeral of his own mother and I just never knew how the real sorrow felt when it is your own mother, your own flesh. My Dad was easier it seems but when my mother died it was a piece of myself for some reason.

Please pray for our safe flight at the end of this week...I don't like that overseas flight at all. Also if there is anyone in Victoria, Australia that can visit me within a reasonable distance of either Kyneton or the Mornington Peninsula (remember that song by The Seekers?) I will give you my contact information if you will contact me.

Lydia said...

DeNeice, thank you.

I will be in touch with everyone via this blog and try to post some things more cheerful while away from home in this sad time. It is a completely different life for me now.

Sheila said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I talked to my mom every day too and when she died at 97 I knew it was time for her to go the Lord but it was a great loss anyway. Praying for you and your family, Sheila

Lara said...

Dear Lydia,

It's been a long time since I've visited your blog or any other blog. And today, as I decided to do it, I saw the sad news. I'm so sorry and you and your family are in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

Dear Lydia,
I'm so sorry to read about your loss. May God comfort your heart.My prayers for you all the way from Buenos Aires.
Anne

Anonymous said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time, Lady Lydia. May your travels be safe and smooth, and may your heart find peace and love in His embrace.
Shani

Mrs. White said...

I am so sorry for your loss!

God bless and comfort you!

love Mrs. White

Anonymous said...

Dear Lydia,

I am so sorry for your loss. I will be praying for you and your family.

Mrs. W said...

I am very sad with you. I will be praying the Lord will give you much comfort. Love, ~Angela

Mrs. W said...

I am very sad with you. I will be praying the Lord will give you much comfort. Love, ~Angela

Grace and Tea For Me said...

Dear Lady Lydia: I am so sorry to hear about your loss. It is such a comfort for you to know that you will see her again in heaven. I will be praying for you and your family asking for the Lord's comfort as only He can give.

Grace and peace,
Mrs. B

Anonymous said...

Lydia, I'm so sorry for your loss.
You had such a special relationship with her. It was always a joy when you wrote about her.

My prayers will be with you during this time of transition.

Anonymous said...

Lydia, I am so sorry for your loss. Did your mother live in Carrum Downs Victoria Australia? I have lived there, in fact it is a short distance from where we live now. My sisters' mother-in-law lives in the Brotherhood of St Laurence Aged Care Units in Carrum Downs. I am praying for Gods' comfort for you. My mum is 84 and not too good as I type. I dread her passing. Love and blessings, Glenys Hicks

Trish said...

Lydia, my sincere thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. I'm so sorry to hear about your sweet mum's passing into Heaven. Such a loss for you..but only for a while. My husband and I led the service for my MIL and we found unexpected strength in doing so..but the hurt never quite leaves the heart. God bless you, dear sister. Much love, Trish xox

Lydia said...

Glens, yes, in Carrum Downs....you can email me If you like.

Lydia said...

Glens, yes, in Carrum Downs....you can email me If you like.

Jen said...

Praying for you and your family, Lydia!

Nadege said...

Lydia, so very sorry to hear about your mother. I remember making contact with you while you were in Australia to visit. Thank God for those memories you made with your Mom. May God bless you and keep ypu during this trying period in your life.

Lady Barbs said...

Dear Lady Lydia and your family. I am very sorry for the loss of your dear mama. Since, I started reading your blog in 2008, around the time I had lost my dear grandma on April 24th 2008. Your blog has been a tremendous source of inspiration. I have found comfort and hope and encouragement. I have been mothered too and counselled in the path that I should go. I believe all these words of wisdom that your share with the ladies on this blog can be attributed partly to the good seed(s) your mother sowed in your. We bless God for her life and will lift you up in prayer for Comfort and strength through this trying time. From Barbra, originally from Uganda. May God comfort you.

clevsea said...

I'm so very sorry for your loss. I have not lived through this yet. My father and all of my grandparents have passed but not my mother.

May you be showered in peace more than ever before in your life.

How well you honor her here with this announcement.

Good for you. If only we would honor our fathers and mothers.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to hear of your loss, forgive my tardiness in giving my condolences as I rarely have time for blogs at the moment. I pray that you and your family will find peace again soon.