I went to visit my mom for the last time yesterday. She passed away this evening in Arcola hospital. I’m sure the two hour road trip must have hastened her death, but it was clear that she really wanted to be out of Regina General and “home”. I can’t say that I blame her.
The blogging has been a useful distraction over the past days, and I suspect, it will continue to serve that purpose for a few more. It goes without saying that activity here will be light for the rest of the week.
This space wasn’t set up to be a window into my personal life, and even if it were, my Scottish genes wouldn’t allow it. So, while I appreciate any sentiments you may wish to share, I’d really prefer you take those few moments to sit down and tell a young person that a very good woman left the world tonight, years before she should have, because she made the choice as a teenager to pick up a cigarette.
Goodnight.
It’s been nearly thirteen years since I quit smoking and I still have cravings for the damned things. This morning, not so much, however.
Condolences.
Sorry to hear that Kate. My thoughts are with you. I’ll show this to my kids.
Kate’s Mom
Kate’s Mom passed away last night. Kate has a thoughtful message up….
You’re in my thoughts and prayers, Kate.
Thoughts and prayers.
Sadly you can tell kids but you know the way kids are, they will do it anyway should they be so stupid. Against the wishes of everyone who told me, I picked up as a young teenager and some twenty five years later, finally said I had enough. Like Sean, I crave all the time, I just have to make sure I don’t give in.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Lost my own mother the same way. She said they told her that smoking would “strengthen” her weak, asthmatic lungs when she was a teen-ager. She lingered for 10 years; and watching over her bedside for those years just about killed my father. I know she still exists, and I will see her again, but I see people with living parents who don’t seem to realize how lucky they are. Thank you for sharing your heart with us. My prayers are with you and your family. God bless.
Peggy
I feel your pain. I lost my Dad this year from complications surrounding cirrhosis of the liver. Damned if I could put the bottle down….
Kate,
I’m sorry to read that your mom passed away. I’ll share what you said with my teen, not just because smoking is bad, but also because of the profound message in your words: what we choose to do can affect others deeply, especially the people who love us the most or who will come to love us in future. May good memories of your mom strengthen you.
tz
i recently have found myself smoking now and then, after a 7 year hiatus. your words have reminded me of the resolve i once had to quit. thank you.
Kate:
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Take care.
Kate, my sincere sympathies.
Losing a mother is very difficult. Lost mine a year ago May.
I quit smoking two years ago on November 10/02 after more than thirty years smoking. I feel I’ve won the battle but maybe not the war. Thanks for your comments. Strengthens my resolve never to smoke again.
All my best, Kate.
Sorry to hear about your Mom Kate. She was always gracious and hospitable when we came to visit and spoke of her children with pride.
K
Kate – thank you for sharing this with others. Thoughts are with you.
God bless you and give you strenght Kate. All of your family too.
Thanks, everyone.
Funerals – I’ve had my share – and the future
Boy has this been a bang-up year for death. Personal stories are this and this. Anyway, sorry for another morose post – if this bringdown is not your cup of tea please scroll down to the next irreverant or irrelevant…