Tuesday, October 26, 2021

Free At Last

Even memories can be taken away.
 Over four years ago I wrote this post concerning my Mom's old bicycle seen again here today. Well, yesterday she took her final 'ride' on outta this world. And it was a good thing.

See, my Mom was suffering from Alzheimer's. Her quality of life had been pretty dismal for well over a year now. But that's over. 

She has been set free. 

I'm glad it's over. The gut wrenching business of dealing with the disease and its affects has been far reaching. It wasn't just my Mom that suffered, but all of us that loved her and knew her did as well. That said, obviously I am most concerned about my Mom's freedom from those chains. It's sad, this death, but it is also good. 

One's mind often goes to memories of the past and what we experienced with the loved one that is now gone. But I find it rather ironic that this evil disease takes even memories away before death. 

Again I wonder: When was her last bike ride? When was the last time she ran? When was the last time she felt loved? 

Cherish every moment. Love over hate. Strive to live a peaceful life. 

Apologies for the heavy subject today, but I felt I had to address this. Thanks for reading if you made it this far.

Dedicated to Linda Belkin, who died Monday, October 25th, 2021. I'll miss you Mom!

15 comments:

Djmack said...

Condolences to you and your family

Tim said...

Thank you for your honest reflection! Those are serious and important questions. Strength and peace for the days ahead.

tntmoriv said...

I am sorry to hear of your loss, not just yesterday but over these last long hard months. As the coming months and years pass, the hard times and unpleasant memories will fade to the background and the shiniest and best times will be almost all you remember. I lost my Mom over 20 years ago, and I have to stop and really think about what flaws she had or what bad times there may have been; but with amazing ease and happiness I recall every smile, every gentle conversation, and every great moment we had with her and with the rest of the family. Hang in there, and thanks for sharing with your online community.

Doug M. said...

Peace be with you and your family. And thank you for sharing your honest, complex feelings. I too felt a conflicted sense of relief when a family member broke free from Alzheimer's.

MG said...

Love you, Brother. I’m sorry for your loss, but I’m glad your mom’s spirit has been freed from the constraints of her body on earth.

Derek said...

I'm sorry for your loss.

Greg said...

Sorry for your loss and God's speed to your mother. Glad she is free. Peace!

teamdarb said...

Memories are key to your wonderings. The answer to wonderings are within the memory you have. That moment is when. May Mother's elegance forever be a memory.

S Sprague said...

My condolences to you and your family GT. I'm glad your mom's spirit is now free of our worlds limits.

Guitar Ted said...

@Everyone Who Commented Today - THANK YOU! Your comments all mean so much today. I really appreciate them and you for taking the time to leave those thoughts here.

murraygd13 said...

Condolences on the passing of your mother, but her soul is in a better place now.

Gravelo said...

Lost my Mom pretty much the same way. She had an old bike from Sears that she probably last rode in the late 80s. My Dad saved 2 bikes from his youth,a Monarch Silver King, and a Hawthorne with a Whizzer kit on it. Funny,I have the bikes now, but we never went on a bike ride together. How I wish we had. Stay calm, time will help heal any sorrow.

Phillip Cowan said...

So sorry for your loss. My own mother passed when I was nine. Even though it won't ease the pain you can thank the good lord for the years she was with you.

JimpanZ said...

Please don't apologize. It was a moving post and well said. As with others, I am sorry for your loss.

Jon Bakker said...

Christ is risen! Praying for you and your family. God bless and keep all of you in his peace!