New England Blogs

Friday, February 14, 2014

A Valentine Love Story

Let me begin this blog by saying that I had no intentions on writing a blog post today. It was the furthest thing on my mind. I'm not one who would want to share a personal loss on this blog at such a sensitive and fragile time in my life. However, sometimes life throws us the unexpected, so I would like to share a very special valentine story here. And now.

Allow me to back up a bit if I may. My last blog post featured my parents recovery from pneumonia at a rehabilitation facility. In that post, I wrote about the deep connection that my parents shared. You can read the blog post here:
 http://www.carolsviewofnewengland.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-pneumonia-twins.html

The day before my parents were to return home together from rehab, on January 25th, my mother had a stroke. She never recovered and I'm so sorry to say that she passed away at four o'clock this morning, on St Valentine's Day. My mother was so full of goodness and love. It doesn't surprise me at all that God called her home on a day that is all about love. To quote my good friend Nancy....."The Lord is all about love and when he sends one home, he does it with the greatest of His love." I know that God loves her very much, and that God appreciates and acknowledges all of the love that my mother has given during her life. She was an amazing person....full of grace, dignity, and most of all, love.

My sister Kathleen and I arrived at my fathers to tell him of our mothers passing at 7:30 this morning. We walked in the door and greeted my father to tell him the news. However.....he already knew. He told us that he was woken up by a woman standing at his bedside during the wee hours of the morning. He was awakened by her and he felt refreshed...... he was not the least bit groggy. It was my mother at his bedside letting him know that she was okay.

And so the love story continues even through death.

I can not even begin to tell you how much I feel at peace knowing this.

Happy Valentine's Day Mom. I love you with all of my heart.



18 comments:

  1. Beautiful!! I am so sorry for your loss Carol. Big hugs and prayers going your way

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  2. Hi Carol, with apologies - this is no time to introduce myself but I have just received your sad news and wanted you to know that someone understands and is thinking of you all.

    There are so many coincidences in our lives and I have meant to contact you many times but never got around to it, just kept enjoying your lovely photos.

    My name is also Carol Smith and I too am a keen photographer. I live in old England, am passionate about New England and have been following your blog for some time. I too have a new granddaughter and sadly my mum also died of a sudden stroke nearly five years ago, leaving my dad pretty bereft after nearly 60 years together.

    Now he and my family join me in sending a prayer across the pond to you all, and especially your father.

    Please don't trouble yourself to reply to this - perhaps we may exchange news at some point in the future.

    All good wishes,
    Carol

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  3. Thank you so much Sandra. It means a lot to me and I really appreciate your hugs and prayers.

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  4. Oh my gosh Carol Smith....I don't know what to say. I am so touched by your words and I am so happy that you reached out to me. We have even more in common, as my parents would also have been married 60 years this year. I would love to correspond in the future. Please email me sometime. I'm also sorry for the loss of your Mom, even though it has been 5 years, I'm sure the loss will be felt for the rest of your life. Hugs to you.

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  5. My dear friend Carol: This is a heartwarming story of love not only between your parents but of the depth of the love and devotion that only a daughter and mother share, and it shines through with every word of this beautiful blog. I'm sad about the passing of your wonderful mother and my thoughts are with you and your family. I truly believe your Mom visited your Dad to tell him she is ok and it he knows this because of their connection in love and God. I know the pain of parental loss and I know the journey can have its ups and down. You are on a good path of faith. This is blog not only of your Mother's passing, but is shows what a wonderful and devoted daughter you are. God bless you Carol. You are a cherished friend. With love to you and your family during this time of loss.

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  6. Tears......thank you so much BNVT. I cherish our friendship. Thank you for such kind words.

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  7. Your Mom is always with you. Our love and sympathy to you, your Dad and your beautiful family. Kathy & John Dacey

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  8. Thank you so much Kathy. I so wish you had the opportunity t meet my mother. I always wanted you to and I regret that it never happened. She so wanted to live long enough to attend Nick and Melissa's wedding. I believe she knew a few weeks ago that she wasn't going to be there. She woke up and called me to her bedside and said "Please help your father get dressed for the wedding. I always buttoned his buttons for him so he is going to need help." That is just how was was.....always thinking about my father and always taking care of him. I know she will be with us in a few weeks at the wedding, looking down from heaven with a big smile on her face. She is so proud of Nick and she loves Melissa and was so happy to know that Nick found his soul mate in such a wonderful girl.

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  9. Beautiful....Your mother was truly a kind, loving , beautiful soul. I know this because I see it in you, the daughter she raised to be just like her. What wonderful memories you have to keep close to your heart. She will always be with you and keeping watching over her family. Love and hugs to you my dear friend.

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  10. Okay Nancy. I wore my contacts today because I swore I was not going to cry today......have been wearing my glasses for a week now! But your kind words just brought the tears flowing....but it's a good cry and I so appreciate your thoughtful words. I'm so lucky to have you....one of my best friends....in my life. I love you!!!

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  11. Carol, I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing this story. It is stories like this that reinforce our belief in God and the beauty of the hereafter. With all the wonderful things you've said about your mom, I hope I get to meet her one day.

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  12. Carol, I am so glad I stopped by today on your blog. I can only say Amen to everything Al said. Our parents where certainly from the "Greatest Generation" Much love to you and your family at this time. I know we will see them again!

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  13. Thank you so much Al for your beautiful words.

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  14. Thank you so much Janice. I appreciate your kindness.

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  15. Hi Carol

    I've just visited your blog and was very sorry to see that your mother passed away. I was under the impression that both your parents weathered the storm (literally too), and was so sorry to see that she didn't.

    From your shots and blog over the years it is easy to see what a wonderful person she was, full of love and joy of life. The special relationship she had with your dad and the special relationship you had with both of them is something to cherish, and is very unique. Please give my condolences to your father, we don't know each other but I think about him and am sure that losing 'your better half' after so many years together must be unbearable. Take care of him, as it isn't easy to live alone after a wonderful relationship like that. A few months ago a friend of mine told me of his relations who were married nearly 75! years, and were so inseparable that they died in their sleep in bed at home during the same night. The police even suspected mutual suicide, but the inquiry said each died of natural cause in heir sleep, probably without consciously knowing of the other's demise. This story relates to the wonderful way your dad sensed your mother's farewell.

    May the many great memories of her and of her love help you overcome your loss, together with being thankful for all the good and happiness she had during her long life

    God be with you and your family

    All the very best

    Your friend

    Dov

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  16. Thank you so much Dov, for your kindness and your friendship. I am so touched by your words. You are such a wonderful friend. Thank you!!!

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