My mother, Gwendolyn Ardyth Simm Goodwin, passed away today at the age of 85, from Alzheimer's Disease. She went peacefully and quietly with my sister, Jessica, by her side. I have missed her already for almost 10 years, and will miss her always, but I am glad now to know that both my parents are watching over me now and they will always be with me.
These are a few of her favorite things:
Chicadees
Bittersweet
I Love Lucy - especially the chocolate factory and Vita-Meata-Vegimen episodes
Going over the Bourne Bridge into Cape Cod
Southport, Maine
Mom's made-up words and expressions:
Bonanza Day Treat! - said when eating a large hot fudge sundae
Teedeetootie - a name for my sister's security blanket
Chatting Hour - for girls only
He thinks he's body-everyself - to describe a stuck-up person
The Girls' Friendly - her name for the church group actually called The Friendly Guild
My beautiful and brilliant budding writer 13-year-old neice Olivia wrote this poem for her Grandma Gwen:
From the moment i first saw her,
Until the time she said goodbye,
I knew she was amazing,
By the twinkle in her eye.
Her smile,
...So pure, and loving and kind,
And I just can't seem to get her memory,
Ever out of my mind.
I'll miss you forever and always,
And
never forget your love,
I know you'll enjoy heaven,
Watching me from above.
Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry, Melissa. When I read yesterday's post, you said it could be any day, but I really didn't expect it to be this soon. I agree, though, too...that neither your mom or dad are suffering any longer and you can have peace with that.
ReplyDeleteThank you Becky. It was so strange, how the disease took so long to complete itself, yet when the end came, it literally came overnight. I felt great peace after Dad's memorial service, and I know I will feel the same after Mom's. Oddly, I feel like now I can talk to my mom again, where I haven't been able to for so long! I talk to my dad all the time...strange girl that I am!Thanks so much for the kind and supportive words.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear, my condolences and love and light to you and your family!
ReplyDeleteMy grandmother is 85 and has been suffering through the "final stages" of Alzheimer's for over 3 years. I understand that feeling of being glad your parents are reunited. My condolences to your family.
ReplyDeleteThanks to all for the kind words.
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