Sunday, July 01, 2012

A Sad Farewell

Ron, Brenda, & Mom2We haven’t posted recently as we’ve been dealing with the death of Brenda’s mom.  Gladys, who would have been 94 years old this November, suffered a stroke and slipped away from us June 14th, but not before her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren had the opportunity to say goodbye.  She grew up in a hardscrabble existence in the coal mining country of Virginia, and although she had a hard life in those early years, her smile could light up the room and she was kind to all those she knew.   These last few years were difficult for her; she wasn’t physically able to do the things that she wanted, but enjoyed her magazines, soap operas, and her favorite Cleveland weatherman, Dick Goddard (who never made a wrong forecast).  She was a part of our lives for so many years…..her passing leaves a gaping hole in our lives.  We will miss her dearly.
Brenda would like to say thanks to some very special people:                        
Sue Winn and her mom, Mrs. Jentner, who realized Brenda needed a day with loving friends and a little fun, and three very special puppy dogs to cuddle.  Thank you Sue for being there and listening when I needed a shoulder. 
Ann Boyce who stayed with me by email every day through tears and messages of love.  Ann recently lost her mom also and grieves right along with me.  She helped me realize it is OK to cry and grieve.  I love you dearly.
Kirk and Sue Burmeister for taking the time to drive from Dayton and meeting me for lunch.
All of our friends and family who sent flowers and made generous donations plus the notes on Legacy.com.  My brother Ron, sister Joan, and I really appreciated the show of love.
Somewhere up above there’s a campground cat named Fido who loves a warm lap and a soft voice.  We’d like to think that Fido is curled up in mom’s lap right now, welcoming with a purr her new friend.  Rest in peace, mom.