Tuesday, May 6, 2014

A "Mom"ery, just in time for Mother's Day!

Mother's Day is just around the corner, I wanted to share a memory about my Momma.

I can't honestly say it's my favorite memory of her, but it has helped shape me into the person I am.
My Mom was one of the most selfless people I have ever known. She always did her best to take care of us all, and make sure we had everything that we needed. 
She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer about 5 and a half years ago. She very rarely complained. She went through all of the treatments she could so that she could be with us as long as possible. Not long after her diagnosis, my Father was also diagnosed with cancer. It was a really rough time for all of us. 
Once her treatments were complete, she did fairly well for a bit. She had once told me that she just wanted to live long enough to see my little ones graduate from Elementary school. Sadly it wasn't to be. The cancer had moved into her liver, and was causing it to shut down. We were told we had just a few precious weeks. True to form, my Momma took charge. She wrote her own obituary, and made sure we all knew what she expected us to do for her funeral. She made sure my dad had new pants to wear for it too! She spoke with our close family friend, who is a Mortician, and told him of her wishes. She made him promise to bury her with her teeth in her mouth so that my older brothers could not get them and freeze them in a glass of water, like they had often threatened to do.  She also had my Aunt go shopping so that there were Mother's Day gifts for my sisters and I the following month. She did her best to make things as easy as possible for us. 
The day she passed away, I was sitting by her side holding her hand. I just couldn't let go. I wanted to always remember the feel of her there with me. She waited until I got up and walked away to pass quietly away. I felt a breeze behind me and I knew she had gone. I miss her every day. I know she is still doing her best to mother me from heaven. I am so blessed to be her daughter. I am so grateful for the example that she was and is to me. I hope that someday I will be just like her.

Happy Mother's Day Momma.
I love you.

xox


11 comments :

graciegirl said...

What an absolutely beautiful memory of your mom. Thank you for sharing it with us!

Rhonda said...

Memories never die, they live on in our hearts forever.

Rhonda

Paula’s Place said...

To have a great mother and one that is selfless is a treat. We are stronger for having a strong role model.

Leslie - The Groovy Teacher said...

What a lovely memory, I enjoyed reading that so much.

Kim said...

Nikki, that is such a testament to your mom! I know you are also that kind of mom to your own children. Makes us appreciate our mom's even more. Thank you for that precious tribute.

Unknown said...

That "some day" is now Nikki. You too make things happen because it is your heartfelt need to complete it, it's your heart that makes you want to give the way you do, and it's your love and compassion for others that leads every action you take to ensure that every thing and everyone is taken care of first. Then you relax. Nikki, when she passed, I think that breeze was her heart and yours becoming one. Today is that "some day".

Karyn said...

Nikki your mom was clearly a remarkable woman. What a treasure she was, so selfless, loving and giving. I can clearly see those same traits in you. What a remarkable legacy she has left. Blessings to you. :o)

Karyn

Unknown said...

Oh Nikki,
Your momma and mine sound so much alike!! My momma also died of cancer about 4 years ago and she just had to wait till her birthday to go up to heaven. She also waited until we sent my little sister home for a bit before her journey. She had everything arranged just like your momma! I hope I can be as wonderful a momma to my children as she was to all of us!! Thank you so much for sharing your memory, it really hit home!
Love ya dear friend!!

crazymom said...

Oh so sweet. What a great memory.

Angela S said...

I lost my mom to pancreatic cancer as well. Almost 14 years ago. What a great memory of your mom!
Angela
Southern Fried Teachin’

agravette said...

What a beautiful story about a beautiful woman! You are so blessed to have such a wonderful Mama and role model for you. I know you must miss her so much. God bless you and thank you for sharing your precious memories with us.