My Mama
Beverly Louise Reinhardt Humphries
Born January 13, 1929
Died April 24, 2004
Heaven gained another angel last night -- my mother. She passed on at around 7:30pm, after a day of extremely labored breathing. My sisters and I were with her all day long, making sure she was comfortable, and letting her know that it was okay to go.
It is an honor to be with someone when they take their last breath. Interestingly, though, Mom waited until I stepped out to go home for about an hour before she took her last breath. It was almost as if she sensed that I was the one having the hardest time letting go, so she waited until I was gone before dying so I wouldn't have to be there when it happened. That's just like my Mom -- always so thoughtful. My sister called me on my cell and I turned right around and went back. I hadn't made it that far from the nursing home, so it didn't take me long.
Right now I am numb. The full force of what has happened has yet to hit me. I know I will never see my Mama's sweet, beautiful face again with my eyes, but I will see it forever with my heart. I concentrate on remembering that she has finally been released from a body wracked with pain, and is probably enjoying a wonderful family reunion up in heaven. :) I had a dream about her Friday night, where she came to see me and was walking with vim and vigor, her hair was all done up pretty like it used to always be, and she was drinking a Pepsi. I told her about the dream today and apologized for dreaming that she was drinking Pepsi -- she prefers Coke. ;) Anyway, that dream really helped to comfort me and to remind me that once she left her body, she would be able to live for all eternity with no pain, sickness or heartache. I am happy for her. I am sad for me, my sisters and our families. I miss her so badly already that my chest and stomach ache. I have to learn how to live my life without my mother in it. It will be the most difficult thing I have ever had to do.
God bless you, Mama. Thank you for all that you did, gave and were. You are my forever hero and champion!
Thoughts from others
Posted by: Beverly | April 25, 2004 4:07 AM
Keeping you in my thoughts as always. *HUGS*
Posted by: Kirsi | April 25, 2004 4:58 AM
Posted by: Michelle | April 25, 2004 5:17 AM
And I wish you strength for the days to come.
Carol
Posted by: cassie-b | April 25, 2004 7:41 AM
Your mother really wanted to go long ago, but as I said a month or so back, She wouldnt until you gave her permission to leave. Something as simple as saying it's ok to go, Mom. We understand, just lifts the weight off of them and allows them to be free.
Now comes the really hard part...knowing that you cant ever ask her another question, or call her to settle a dispute between you and your sister.
My heart goes out to you and your family. Grieve, but not too long, she wouldnt want that. She would want you to be excited about your GRANDSON!!!
(Hugs)
Posted by: Mary Lou | April 25, 2004 12:10 PM
Posted by: madpoet | April 25, 2004 12:33 PM
I wish I were I closer to you to give a real one, I mean that with all my heart. I know this past few months have been so hard for all of you, I have thought you all so often.
Posted by: Diane | April 25, 2004 12:36 PM
I feel your pain so many miles away, and extend my deepest sympathy and if there is ANYTHING I can do Leigh, please don't hesitate to ask. You know how to reach me... I've had my share of pain & sorrow, but I still have lots of shoulder left and it's here if you need to vent, cry, scream or just lay your head upon it and sigh.
Remember the good times, the happy times... and know that your momma is at peace now and God needed her help, the heavens needed another angel or he wouldn't have taken her away.
Once again, my sincere sympathy to you & your family... May God hold y'all in his love & care during this trying time.
Love you Leigh ((gentle hugs))
Posted by: CJ | April 26, 2004 7:45 AM
I feel your pain so many miles away, and extend my deepest sympathy and if there is ANYTHING I can do Leigh, please don't hesitate to ask. You know how to reach me... I've had my share of pain & sorrow, but I still have lots of shoulder left and it's here if you need to vent, cry, scream or just lay your head upon it and sigh.
Remember the good times, the happy times... and know that your momma is at peace now and God needed her help, the heavens needed another angel or he wouldn't have taken her away.
Once again, my sincere sympathy to you & your family... May God hold y'all in his love & care during this trying time.
Love you Leigh ((gentle hugs))
Posted by: CJ | April 26, 2004 7:46 AM
My heart is reaching out for you here. Your mom lives on in your heart and will continue to live on in your children's hearts. Try to take care of yourself these next few weeks, as your mom would not want you to hurt for very long. Celebrate what she meant to you and the person she helped shape you into.
Talk to any of us as you need, and we are all keeping you in our thoughts.
Posted by: Patrick | April 26, 2004 11:35 AM
Posted by: Rachel in Alaska | April 26, 2004 3:01 PM
Posted by: D | April 26, 2004 6:58 PM
Dear Leigh, Debbie, Kelly and families...may those treasure memories help ease your sorrow and light your way. Our love and thoughts are with you all at this sad time. Debbie & family (((((hugs))))))
Leigh, I'm holding your hand in spirit.
For your mama.
Posted by: Debbie | April 26, 2004 7:34 PM
Such a beautiful lady your mother was and surely is this day in heaven. I am so very, very sorry to hear your sad news. I can't even find the words, Leigh. My heart is so heavy for your loss.
This was a beautiful tribute to her -- such loving words from a beautiful soul. Your Mother must've been so proud of you and loved you with all her heart. How lucky you both were to have had each other.
I wish more than anything I could give you a hug right now.
Posted by: Leslie | April 26, 2004 8:10 PM
What a beautiful lady, and look at those heavenly locks!! Was her hair naturally curly like that?
You wrote such a lovely post for her. Nothing can ever prepare you for the emptiness you now feel. It will get better, but you will always feel the loss. I feel my parents with me alot!! I talk to them and feel their humor too. Some day you will be reunited!!
I am sorry for your loss.
Posted by: Phyllis | April 26, 2004 8:36 PM
Just want to say I am sorry and if you need someone to talk to I am here.
Take care of yourself
Love,
Martie
Posted by: Martie | April 26, 2004 9:23 PM
It may be bittersweet for you, but right now, I am visiting a member who is wishing to pass and can't because of the medications he's being given by the doctor. The doctor is not ready to call in hospice and the pain he might go through if refusing all meds could be staggering. It sounds as if your mother's pain was rather short term. Such a blessing if I'm right and it's all over if I'm wrong. With all our love, Dennis and Kim
Posted by: Dennis | April 26, 2004 10:12 PM
Posted by: etherian | April 26, 2004 10:14 PM
Posted by: Marsha | April 27, 2004 1:50 AM
Condolences from our house to yours.
Posted by: dan | April 28, 2004 1:33 AM
Posted by: Larry | April 28, 2004 5:53 AM
(((hugs)))
Posted by: aithne | April 29, 2004 7:13 AM
Posted by: lorelei | May 4, 2004 9:35 PM
Posted by: Mary | June 9, 2004 12:31 PM