Wednesday, August 06, 2008

A New Angel

It's early morning Wednesday and we just got the news that Bob's mom Doreen passed away.

Two weeks prior to this she was in the hospital although the doctors couldn't seem to peg down what the problem was. Last Thursday is one of the memories I will always carry with me of her smiling and crossing her fingers in hopes that the doctors would let her go home. She looked so fantastic and well that we were sure she had found her way back. Friday afternoon they released her but no one in the family had had contact with her doctors and were somewhat surprised to find her home when they got home from work.

Saturday brought on a whole new set of syptoms and by Monday morning she was sicker than she had been before entering the hospital the first time. We got the call Tuesday afternoon that we needed to get to the hospital immediately. Again, Bob and I don't have the answers as to what was going on or why she had taken such a turn. She was on life support although her heart was beating on it's own and we were told she was sedated and not unconscious. We sat with her and talked to her for a few hours and sat in the family room with the brothers. The youngest brother explained that the doctors had had a three day plan but after a few hours told him to get the family together.

Bob is taking the news as well as can be expected.

It's a year and 6 days since his father passed and Bob's first words when I told him the news were that Magoo's stint in Heaven just got a little noisier with the arrival of his wife. I told him Magoo was fine, it's Frank Sinatra that is entertaining a new guest.

Doreen was a month shy of her 86th birthday, was married to Kenneth (Magoo) for 59 years, had 7 boys and 4 grandkids. She never spent a day in a nursing home and was always surrounded by her family. Magoo may have thought he wore the pants in the family and everyone let him think it but it was Mama Smith who ruled the roost. The boys will be lost without her and there are many people whose lives she touched that will miss her always.

As a mother in law she was perfect. The wedding band I wear on my finger is the first one Magoo gave her and is almost 61 years old. She told me how she always wanted a daughter but in the end, it was her sons who gave them to her. She spoiled us women rotten and loved us as if we were her own and for someone like me, who wasn't raised in an affectionate or overly accepting family, she was a balm to my soul.

She will be sorely missed. Love you Mama.

14 comments:

Jenster said...

I'm so sorry for your loss, Cindy. The love in your words is so evident, just like when you talked about Bob's dad.

It's a beautiful tribute to what sounds like a beautiful woman.

Dev said...

I'm so sorry, Cindy. I will keep your family in my prayers during this time. She sounds like an amazing woman.

Kat said...

I'm sorry to hear this news, Cindy, and I'm keeping you and Bob in my prayers. You've written a lovely tribute, and it sounds like your mother-in-law had a wonderful life.

nath said...

My condoleances to you and Bob, Cindy. Sorry to hear about your loss :( It does sound like she had a long and wonderful life...

Holly said...

My condolences to you and Bob, Cindy, and the rest of the family. I'm so glad she was able to live a full life, but I'm sure it's still very hard for those of you who survived her.

I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

HUGS!

C2 said...

(((Cindy and Bob)))

You're in my thoughts.

Marg said...

My condolences to you and Bob Cindy, and my thoughts are with you and your family.

LinnieGayl said...

Cindy, my heart goes out to you and Bob. I'm so sorry for your loss. You've written a truly beautiful tribute to Bob's mother.

sula said...

Very sorry for your loss, Cindy. She sounds like a very special lady who will be greatly missed. You've written a very lovely tribute here.

Mollie said...

So sorry for your and Bob's loss. I'll keep you and your family in my prayers.

Bob & Muffintop said...

((Cindy & Bob)) Deepest condolences on your loss. She sounds like a wonderful woman. You'll all be in my prayers.

ReneeW said...

Oh, Cindy, I'm so sorry to hear about the loss to you and Bob. What a lovely tribute and I'm sitting here at work trying not to cry. She sounds so much like my own MIL who is about the same age. I pray for peace and comfort to you both. (((Cindy & Bob)))

Kristie (J) said...

Oh Cindy: I'm so sorry to hear this. Tell Bob I'm thinking of him.

sybil said...

Oh cindy hon I am so sorry to hear this. She sounds like a wonderful woman and I am sure you brought her as much joy as she brought you.