Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Going home

My Mom has always been a homebody. She loved her home more than anything. She & my Dad built their house, our home, in the mid-1950s; he lived there until he died in 2003; she lived there until she moved into the nursing home 4 years ago. We had been fearful that her transition out of the house would be difficult, but her mind & body were in such a state that she seemed to forget all about the home she had loved so dearly. Her room in 'memory care' immediately became her home.

When I drove north to visit her this past February, my brother said, for the first time, she was talking about wanting to "go home". We wondered what "home" she meant: her childhood home on the farm? her family home of more than 50 years? where? She wasn't fretful or insistent about it, she would just mention it from time to time then go on with other things.

Well, she's gone home now.

On the 3rd of April, during a very average day, she lay down for a nap from which she did not wake. While her death was not unexpected -- we've been slowly losing her for several years now -- we were very surprised. Her physical health was not great but was stable. We can only suppose that she was just tired & ready to go & the "home" she had been speaking of was not here on Earth.


Spring was just on the brink in the midlands. The forsythia were in bloom, as were the tulip & Bradford pear trees. Daffodils were up & flowering, tulips were up & budding. A warm sunny day or two would bring the redbuds to their full glory.





17 comments:

O'Quilts said...

Sending love your way.

Quiltdivajulie said...

My mom talked about "going home" too -- sending lots of understanding hugs to you and yours. Take care of yourself . . .

Elaine M said...

Sorry for your loss. Sending big hugs of comfort.

Jodi said...

my heart goes out to you - someday you will be with mom again. xo

Nifty Quilts said...

Such a peaceful passing at a beautiful time of year. Wishing you sweet memories and gentle hugs. xo

Scooquilt said...

Thoughts and huggs to you. This has to come, but still so sad.

amy and the bad cats said...

i'm so sorry for your loss, beth.

Tonya Ricucci said...

Beth, thinking of you. Giving you a virtual hug. glad spring is here and not fall - much better to have life in bloom.

Julierose said...

I empathize with your feelings; my Mom is in a similar situation and talks so often about going "home". I know this is what she means. She has forotten any other home(s) she lived in before the memory loss began...I hope you can find solace in knowing that she is at peace...Julierose

MariQuilts said...

I'm so sorry for your loss, Beth.....I'll be thinking about you.

Victoria said...

Such a beautiful, heartfelt post. May you always find comfort in knowing that your Mother left this earth to go back home when she was truly ready, and did it so peacefully. Oh, that may we all be so blessed. Many good wishes and hugs to you. xo

fiberchick said...

I'm so sorry for your loss...

Rachaeldaisy said...

Sending you lots of hugs Beth.

Rebecca said...

Beautiful. So sorry for your loss. I won't be there Saturday, but here's a big hug.

Jackie said...

So sorry for your loss!

cauchy09 said...

{{{hgus}}}

my thoughts are still with you...

Patchwork Daily Desire said...

I am so sorry for your loss...
...1000 hugs and take care of yourself!!