I'm back! My mom has passed away, life goes on...

[Rick Myers]

Greetings everyone,

Sorry to be AWOL for some months, but my beloved Mom passed away a week ago yesterday. I wanted to post here for so long, but just couldn't find the time or energy. Here's the SHORT version:

This spring, Janet and I tried to quit smoking. With patches and gum (another horrible story) we were 5 plus weeks clean when I got a call about 5pm on Good Friday. It was Mom, and she announced she had stomach cancer. I left Minneapolis days later to spend 110 days at my Mother's side (in my home town of Youngstown, OH), while simultaneously taking care of my Dad, who is about 4-5 years into Alzhimer's Disease. My Dad got up 3 times a night sometimes, and I was with him 24/7 for all those months.

Mom had surgery on May 10th, after days of meetings with lawyers and other sad and silly stuff. Five hours on the table as my sister attended a NASCAR race and planned the addition of a room to her quarter million dollar home. When Mom came out of the procedure in SICU, the first thing she said was: "Rick, who won on American Idol." You gotta have a sense of humor...

They removed her entire stomach, spleen, lymph nodes and SHAVED her pancreas.

They knew then that they didn't get it all...

She went thru about 6 weeks of recovery, thru pneumonia and pluresy, and was about to come home when she developed pulmonary emboli, blood clots in the lungs. Last rites and a trip to ICU, and she looked great, even though she was in pain we can only imagine. Eventually, she was moved to a 'rehab facility.' The day after she was moved, I thought my Dad had a stroke! Russed him the the ER, he had a massive bladder infection and was totally septic. It set him back 3 YEARS in one day.

HE ended up in the same 'rehab facility.'

We DID manage to get 20 friends and family into the conference room to suprise her on her birthday. She was worried what her hair looked like... That is Mom...

Two weeks later, when Anthem Insurance said my Mom was 'ambulatory,' which translates into 'a cost center for the ins. company," she was released to home, even though the ONLY nutrition she could take was TPN, via an IV rig. Her esophogus was closing up, the remaining tumor was growing... She had ALOT of trouble breathing...

She got to sit on the swing in her yard.

My sister came in to give me a chance to return to Minneapolis to see my home and dear Janet after 110 daze...

Four days later Mom was readmitted to the hospital. My sister left after 6 days.

I was supposed to return the day after Labor Day. The Thursday prior, I looked at Janet about 3pm and said "I've gotta go. Now." She agreed instantly.

Drove straight thru from MN to OH, 13 hours. Spent the weekend by my Mom's side and visiting my Dad in his new digs at a VERY nice assisting living facility with an excellent memory care unit.

Tuesday morning I got 'THE CALL,' 5:45 am, "you'd better get here, moving Mother to ICU."

I was there 15 minute later. Spoke to her doctor twice, and at &;20am I decided to remove Mom from all drugs and nutrients, save a morphine drip and oxygen. DNR...

11 and a half hours I sat there and talked to Mom. I cried, I laughed. She squeezed my hand a few times. Her breathing was so very labored. I kissed her forehead and told her it was ok. All I wanted was for the pain to end.

At about 5:30pm, Mom breathed her last. It was the best it could be...

I made a sound that I can still hear in my head, and I hope I never hear it again.

But I was there. I had NO experience, no reference.

But I was there...

And thru it all, the cast and crew of DU were there...

This is my eulogy. Not just for my Mom, but for all the great souls we have lost as a community.

Let us TAKE OUR COUNTRY BACK!!! Let us RECLAIM THE NATION in the name of our ancestors!

Let us win! In 2006, and in 2008!

It's our flag too!!!

Finally, let me again share the reason I use my real name instead of a handle. When I was 17, I wanted to work in radio. My Mom paid for a couple classes with the stipulation that I ALWAYS use my REAL name. I've never hidden behind an 'air name.' This is my country. I served, I vote and I've done jury duty. I am a citizen of the greatest nation on the planet, and I WILL exercise my RIGHT to Free Speech!

Thanks for reading, I love you all,

Rick


You can see Mom's obit here:

http://www.kinnickfuneralhome.com/20137_2874.asp

or here, with my favorite picture of my dear Mom:

http://www.vindy.com/content/records/tributes/287101225185467.php


"And so it goes..."

[Oceansaway]

1. sorry for your loss.....n/t

[liberaldemocrat7]

101. You, a hero! You took care of your mom.

If you did that you can certainly lead a movement to take our country back.


"Go to your window open it and yell loudly God damn it I'm not going to take this anymore"

and then boycott the hell out of GOP contributors that sell consumer products.

[proud patriot]

2. BIG HUG

:hug:

[flamingyouth]

3. So sorry for your loss, Rick

:hug:

[NMDemDist2]

4. glad you're back Rick. so sorry for your loss, she sounds like a

wonderful woman who raised a great son

:hug:

[Bunny]

5. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Sounds like your mother was a wonderful woman. :hug:

[Botany]

6. U Daa Man, Rick!

Thanks for sharing your story w/ me.

All the best,
Botany

Money will get you wealth but class acts, family, and friends will make you rich.

[blm]

7. I hear you.....and the sound is beautiful......and hopeful....

and necessary.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

8. A moving and beautiful tribute to your dear mother

I'm so very sorry for your loss and everything your family and you have been through. :grouphug:

If it matters any, I thought your mother's hair looked beautiful in the picture your family chose. She'd be happy with it.

[seabeyond]

9. you have me in tears. what a beautiful way to honor your mom

in telling and sharing your story. thank you for your words. it is a surreal world, after death. take care of you and yours

[ptolle]

125. second

I second the previously expressed emotion, and if I thought any deity worth its universe listened to the prayers of an old confirmed atheist I'd offer up a couple for you and your departed loved one.You'll have to settle for my best wishes though you sound capable and resolute enough to deal with just about anything. Great tribute and eulogy.

[Rick Myers]

134. Amen, my friend...

Same here. I've been an atheist since age 14, but the Catholic Mass impressed me. It was wonderful, and I even did the first reading.

Thank you for your support!!!

[w8liftinglady]

10. A big hug for your family...your mom will be proud as she watches you

...win back our country.Bless you and yours.:grouphug:

[RangerSmith]

11. you are the living testament to

what a great lady she was.

kudos and my thoughts are with you and yours.

[woodsprite]

12. I'm so sorry.

I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes. I lost my mother back in 2001 and reading your account brought many memories back. I'm sure it comforted your mother to have you right there by her side.

[AndyA]

13. I'm so sorry, Rick. Your Mom sounds like she was a great lady.

I'm sure she's proud of you, and is in a better place now.

[Skidmore]

14. You have been a good son and I'm certain that your

mother was comforted by the loving care you gave her. I had a similar experience caring for my mother who died of kidney cancer. It was hard to let go, but it was her time. I still miss her so much. Your mother left you with some very special memories to cherish for the rest of your life.

[shadowknows69]

15. So sorry Rick

My family's prayers go out to you. Welcome back.

[elfin]

16. What a wonderful son

you were for her and still are for your father.

You did good - take a bit of comfort in that. She sounds (and looks) like a class act.

Heartfelt sympathies to you and yours.

[partylessinOhio]

17. Your mom was beautiful and so are you. God will bless you.

[Kutjara]

18. Thank you for sharing the story of your mother's and your fight.

You are everything a parent hopes their child will be and I'm sure she's very proud of you.

Your story was deeply touching and brought back memories of nursing my father through his final days.

My sincere sympathy for your loss and gratitude for your courage in sharing it here.

[Greybnk48]

19. Your mom looks like she knew how to have fun

just by the smile on her face. What an ordeal. She sounds like a strong lady who handled her death with dignity, and from how you feel about her she must have been a great MOM. Welcome back and please accept my condolences.

[Chimichurri]

20. Wow. what a heart wrenching story. Your mother must have

been an amazing woman for having raised such an amazing man. Good luck with the smoking thing (I'm in the same boat). You and yours are in my prayers.

[Greyhound]

21. Your story is too similar to mine. All my best to you and yours.

It will hurt less eventually.
:cry: :grouphug:

[peacebird]

22. I'm so sorry - I know how hard it is

I nursed my dad through a fast moving cancer 16 years ago. He only lasted three weeks, but I miss him still. It is not easy to sit there and tell them it is alright to let go, it is alright - more than alright really - to leave the pain behind.

May your memories of happier times bring you joy, and may the knowledge that you were there for your mom in her time of need bring you peace.
:hug:

[rodeodance]

23. keep well. you honored your mom during her trying last days.

[poverlay]

24. My mom died 3 yrs ago and I think of her every day. Hang in there

because while your life will never be as good, you have much to do to honor her memory. I know you'll do that with the style only she knew you had...
Mom's are the BEST.
The only thing worse than losing a mom is never having one.

If you need to chat, just holler.
We got your back.

[Dinger]

25. I Am So Sorry Rick

Her picture is just lovely and you sound like a wonderful son. Hugs to you my friend:grouphug:

[PoiBoy]

26. Oh brother..!!

what a beautiful post..!! my deepest condolences to you and your family..

it's very clear that your mom was a very special person and that you and her had a special and loving relationship..

best wishes and prayers for your dad and you...

thank you so much for your post..

:hi:

[Gormy Cuss]

27. I'm sorry for your loss, Rick Myers

I've been on that rollercoaster and the funny little good moments are what get you through it.
Peace to you, your father and your whole family.:hug:

[Cerridwen]

28. I have no words for you.

I'm sorry for your loss. The pain does get easier to bear. It takes time.

I love the picture of your mom. A very beautiful woman. Who raised a very beautiful son.

Thank you for sharing your story.

:cry: :hug:

[calico1]

29. I am very sorry for your loss...

I also lost my mom this year. It's tough to lose someone that has always been such a part of your life. I am glad that you were able to spend some good time with her and to be with her at the end. I'm sure that was a comfort to her. May you always have many cherised memories of her. :hug:

[malmapus]

30. Welcome back Rick, very sorry for your loss

Can only imagine what your presence there must have meant to her.

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

31. Oh, Rick...

My condolences. It sounds as if your Mother had a good Son.

[Solly Mack]

32. I'm so sorry.

Warmest vibes coming your way.


I lost my Mom in 92. When she first got sick - it was a stroke. She refused to go to the hospital until her hair was fixed. (among other things)... I'm smiling fondly now but at the time...the smile was not without worry.

Moms can be wonderfully strange creatures....and I wouldn't have them any other way.

To the memory of Ann Myers.



((((((RickMyers))))))))

[Rick Myers]

64. Wow!!!

Thank you so much... I know EXACTLY how you feel...

Big Hugs!!!

[indie_voter]

33. My deepest condolences Rick.

My dad died 21 months ago. We had to take him off life support, he was in so much pain. Some of his last conversations were about Bush stealing the election from Kerry some how. We sat there with him as he took his last breath. It's an experience which can't be defined.

I read your mom's obit and saw her picture, a beautiful woman inside and out.

You're right, we have to honor our loved ones by reclaiming our country.

Again, my deepest sympathies, the world is a poorer place without your mom.

All the best!

[debbierlus]

34. Welcome back! So sorry for your trials and loss...

Hugs

[babylonsister]

35. Aww, Rick, my heartfelt condolences, but you will

always know you were there, doing the best you could, comforting Mom to the end. I went through a similar experience with my mom, and am glad I was able to alter plans to be with her. I'll always have those special moments in my heart, as I'm sure you will, too.
It's great to see you again and your voice of optimism and patriotism is a delight. :hug:

[tpsbmam]

36. Hi from a "new" member.....

Not really new -- been reading DU for years but just started posting (no time!).

Just wanted to say my heart goes out to you from one who has walked in your shoes. I did the same with my mother (ovarian cancer) and I think we have the same sister (add lying and charging Mom for her plane flights to see her now and then and you have my sister).

Your mother sounds great, like my Mom. The day before she died, Mom went swimming! It's one of my fondest pictures of her -- I hope you cherish that image of your mom swinging!

Wish I'd been your friend and there with you -- I could have prepared you (as hospital folks should have). Hopefully for you, that memory will fade and brighter ones will take its place -- that has been true for me. Those months with Mom were some of the best times I ever spent with her and remain some of the most meaningful in my life. As much as I'd love to change the outcome, I wouldn't give up those months for anything, nor would I give up being with her 100% when she died.

Your being there meant everything.....to her, and to you. As awful as it may have been, I hope it brings you warmth in the future.

[Cameron27]

37. I'm so sorry for your loss.

You're a wonderful and kind son. Peace and comfort to you while you grieve.

[Thirtieschild]

38. Beautiful tribute

Your love and compassion were evident throughout your message. Hugs to you and light to your mother.

BTW, my brother-in-law died of stomach cancer. It's one of the bad ones, bad because by the time it's caught, it's usually too late.

[Tigress DEM]

39. Psst!

It sounds like you are in the shock bubble. I hear you embracing it all, but there are other stages beside acceptance and they don't always come first.

The extent of everything may hit you later.

Don't forget us if it does. Usually someone here at anytime you login.

So glad you were able to share so many good memories with your mother. Those are treasures one can never purchase, only own through the time and tenderness given freely without thought of return.

[Stinky The Clown]

40. Your Mom

She's there. In your heart. Moms never leave us.

[lonestarnot]

41. I'm so sorry for you loss Rick Myers.

:hug:

[acmejack]

42. To you both, my friend.

[eleny]

43. Welcome back, Rick

I'm so sorry for your loss. Take care. :hug:

[AwakeAtLast]

44. {{{HUGS}}} to you!

I cannot imagine what you went through. I watched my Dad deal with some of the same issues you mention with his parents. He too sat with both of his parents as they took their last breaths. He too has a sibling who chose a different route. Your mother was very blessed to have such a great person to be there for her! Love and prayers to you and your family!

:hugs: :hugs: :hugs:

[dogday]

45. Ah Rick, I am so sorry for your loss

My deepest heartfelt sympathies and best wishes to you and yours....:cry: :hug:



on edit: how about something to make you smile? Made it today

[lumberjack_jeff]

46. I'm really sorry Rick.

It does get better, but only slowly. I'm sure you realize now how important it was for you to be there. It was the right choice.

[Scout1071]

47. Rick, my deepest sympathies.

I'm crying my eyes out here. You did the right thing. You know - heck ,we all know - that she is so proud of you and that she loved you just by your tender words.

Best wishes friend.

[democrank]

48. And so it goes, Rick.

A lovely testimonial. I laughed out loud when I read your Mom asked about the American Idol winner. What spunk! Glad to hear she got one last chance to sit on her swing.

Life isn`t a bowl of cherries, is it? Hang in there. Take care.

[Batgirl]

49. Sorry for your loss and thankful for your story

Taking care of our parents while they are frail, sick and vulnerable is physically and emotionally draining. You helped your mom through her leave-taking under demanding circumstances, while also dealing with your dad's illness, and have absolutely nothing to regret. Please know that the details of your particular story are helpful to others who are going through something similar.

[Berry Cool]

50. I'm so sorry, Rick.

But I am so glad you could be back here with us.

Take special care of yourself and don't be hard on yourself at all. You've been through a wringer.

[brook]

51. You've written

a beautiful tribute -not just to your mother - but to love.

I'm sorry for your loss and the pain I know it brings. May you always be comforted by your memories and her constant presence in your heart.

[Beausoir]

52. Oh what you have been through. My heart goes out to you and your family.

What a loving man you must be.

Be good to yourself.

[BlueEyedSon]

53. My thoughts and wishes go out to you & your family

[xchrom]

54. so very, very sorry.

you did an amazing thing to be there for her -- and your dad.

you are a good son -- the best thing you can be to your beloved parents.

[rockymountaindem]

55. Wow. Best wishes to you and yours

Good to have you back, though. Sorry for your loss :hug:

[Generic Other]

56. So sorry to hear about your loss

Take care. Glad to hear you're back.

[im10ashus]

57. My condolences.

Bless your heart and know that we love you.

:hug:

Your mother was a beautiful woman and raised a wonderful son. She would be proud you shared this with us.

[bridgit]

58. i'm sorry to hear about your mom, please accept our condolences...

:hug:

[Cessna Invesco Palin]

59. Dude, you've got all our support.

Honestly, I can't fathom what you've been through. When I lost my father about a year and a half ago it was very sudden - an insanely improbable and preventable industrial "incident" in which he and another man (with a young wife & two very young kids) were killed instantly when a truck backed over them. So I don't know the pain of knowing that That Day was coming. I will know it soon, for various reasons, but for now I do not. But I know those chaotic feelings of loss, confusion, guilt, fear, and the miswired emotional connections... Those feelings are universal.

If I might leave you with one piece of advice, it is this: Cherish those last days with her. Many people don't have that opportunity, and as painful as it might be to think about it, just understand that those few moments, whatever they were, are worth it, and they're more than most people get.

And remember, we're always here if you need to talk. You can PM me if you like. We're all here to stand behind you.

Keep the good attitude. It's good to have a focus, etc...

Ciao.

--Yib.

[Minimus]

60. what a lovely eulogy. my best to you and your family.

take care of yourself.:hug:

[juajen]

61. I'm here, thinking of you and your loss, for what good it does

Hang in there. She wants you to. Peace.

[ClayZ]

62. Blessings...

:cry: Welcome Back!

Peace!

[greatauntoftriplets]

63. I am so sorry for your loss....

What you did for your parents is remarkable.

[Erika]

65. I know it meant so much to your mother

It would have to me. Tough job and you handled it well.

[vanboggie]

66. So sorry and understand

We went through the same with my mom (also born a Myers :)) four years ago. As others have said, you were a good son and there for her. The moments you had with her during that time will comfort you for the rest of your life. My dad died suddenly during the night in a hospital - alone. That was much harder to bear than my mom's death since we were with her when she passed. I feel much more fortunate than a sibling who did not put their own life on hold to share those last months and moments of love with Mom. I take great comfort in knowing she's still "here" for me to talk to and that I did everything I could to make her last years as good as they could possibly be. I have forgiven myself for those small "I should have" things you think of later, because I know she understands and forgives me. You did good by her, Rick, and my sympathies to you and your family on the loss of such a beautiful lady. She raised a good son.

[Ferretherder]

67. Your mom and dad TRULY have a wonderful son.

So very sorry for your loss. May she, and YOU, be at peace.

[niyad]

68. so sorry for your loss, rick. she was clearly a most wonderful person,

and your tribute was beautiful and so very loving. she reared a very special person indeed.

[Rick Myers]

69. This is Janet, Ricky's wife

(Janet posting under authority of Rick Myers)


To all my Dear Ladies and Gentlemens,

Thank you for taking the best care of the love of my life, Rickie.

There are no words...you are the most grand,

All my love, Janet

[annabanana]

72. Dear Janet,

Rick is an important part of our community. We are proud to be able to give a cyber-shoulder now and then. My condolences for your loss. You MIL sounds like a wonderful woman.

[Tactical Progressive]

70. So sorry for your loss

77 is too young. Any age is too soon, really. At least you had the time to spend near the end. That means alot. It's the only saving grace of a disease like cancer.

[NoSheep]

71. Your strength is an inspiration. My heart is with you. We must all

continue to fight for all we know is right. This IS our country and it IS our right to speak up and demand to be heard. Our lives and the lives of those who came before us are no less precious than the most powerful and I intend to try to keep it that way!!! Your efforts are already rewarded in your own conscience. And in ours. Your mom is in the gold light now. We will carry on in her stead. As well as for those who don't know any better.

[Vidar]

73. My deepest sympathy.

[Subdivisions]

74. What a beautiful lady your Mom was. And you are a beautiful son.

[onecent]

75. What a wonderful tribute to your mother! That was simply

breathtaking. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

You write beautifully, I hope you do this alot!

Hugs

Penny Crowley

[goclark]

76. "The Best Gift That We Can Ever Give Our Parents Is To Be There

When They Need Us!'

Some one told me that once when I quit my job, for one year, without pay, to take care of my Mom.

At the time they said it, I thought they were crazy because I wanted to say, "What else on earth would I want to do but be there with her when she needed me!"

Now that I look back on it and listen to other people in the same situation,I understand.
There are so many that don't live those words but you did.

Well done my friend!
Well done.

[tnlefty]

77. Bless you. I helped with my stepfather who died at home with lung

cancer that had metastasized to his brain. My brothers never showed up to do the "grunt work", nor to help my mother emotionally. I was newly married and spent night and day in the house for over a month when other family members needed a break and my mother called me to tell me that she REALLY needed help, besides dropping by to clean her house, do laundry, clean the pool, etc. You are special to have been there when you were needed.

My Dad died 2 years ago in August quite unexpectedly and it is still pretty raw for me. Take care of yourself and yours.

Peace to you and your family.

[Lex]

78. Many cyber-hugs to you, Rick.

Your parents very clearly raised a wonderful son and your loving care of them is a testament to that. :hug:

[windbreeze]

79. Every mother and father should have at least one son like you..

Best wishes, sorry you lost your mother...but she lives through you...
windbreeze

[driver8]

80. Rick, I am so sorry for your loss. Your tribute to your Mom is

beautiful...she sounds a lot like my Mom.

Thank you for sharing this with us.

[bklyncowgirl]

81. I'm sorry for your loss. I lost my mother last year. nt

[Jeanette in FL]

82. Oh Rick, you will be in my thoughts

Unfortunately, I too, totally understand what you have just gone through, as many others have expressed.

There is no instruction manual to prepare you or tell you what you should be doing next.

And I also understand the "family" dynamics that you also had to experience.

Just know that you did what needed to be done at the time and that, I suppose, that others are just not strong enough at the time to deal with what you had to go through.

You will never ever have to regret the could ofs, the would ofs or the should ofs. What a tribute to your Mom, God Bless you Rick.

[susanna]

83. I'm so sorry for your loss...

...and thank you for sharing your story. Like an earlier poster said, your mom sounds like a wonderful woman. She raised a loving, wonderful son as well. Peace to you and yours.

on edit: making sense is good

[Rick Myers]

84. You are all so wonderful!!!

You should know how much I value you as friends...


Rick

[Rick Myers]

85. Little known fact

Note that my Grandmother's maiden name was BATOR.

Just found a photo of my cousin Stiv with The BeeGees Brothers...

Also have a GREAT pix Jant took of Stiv onstage with ther

Now you all know why I'm a bit off the tracks!!!

Thank you,

EVERYONE!!!

Rick

[DesertRat]

87. Did she have a son that they called "Master"?

Sorry, I couldn't resist. :)

[Rick Myers]

138. Someone on that side of the family had a boat....

It was called the Master Bator!!!

LOL!!!!


Rick

[DesertRat]

86. I'm sorry for your loss.

Take care. :hug:

[we can do it]

88. So Sorry for Your Loss - May Your Good Memories Be Of Comfort

[SeattleGirl]

89. My condolences to you, on the loss of your mother.

I am happy for you, and her, though, that you were able to spend so much time with her before she left.

:hug:

[Window]

90. The very best to you and yours.

I will keep you in my prayers. Sorry for your loss. Glad you got to spend so much time with your mom.


Peace

[Justice]

91. So sorry. You honor your mother with your words

[The Wielding Truth]

92. I am so sorry she is gone. You shared a great love and that is beautiful.

I know the pain of losing my MOM, and I know that sometimes it is unbearable. There will come a day when you can climb out of the waves,and realize that you must get your boat to shore.Those in your boat need your guidance. When you climb onto the shore you will see the footprints of your loved one. You can follow them and from time to time a breeze will sweetly answer your empty calls. I wish you quick healing and I thank you for returning to us with your heart.

I also wish that all of our wishes for this country will be heard. :hug:

[rasputin1952]

93. My sincerest condolences on your loss...

May your days be brighter with each sunrise as the memories of a loving and caring mother carry you through the days ahead.


O8)

[philly_bob]

94. Thanks, Rick

A searing, honest account. Thanks for sharing it.

It led to a long discussion about end-of-life issues with my Significant Other.

[helderheid]

95. so sorry about your loss

[Gman]

96. So sorry to hear

sounds like you were there for your mom. It could have been different. She could have passed suddenly and you never would have had the time you did with her. I know you will cherish those last weeks forever. May she rest in peace.

[OzarkDem]

97. You did a great thing for her

How wonderful that you were there when she needed you and did so much to make her final days peaceful. So sorry about her and your dad, but you've been a terrific son for them and that's priceless. It was probably hard for you, but I'm sure she was incredibly pleased and grateful.

Give yourself some time to recover, you've had a lot on your mind and must be worn out.

[borlis]

98. So sorry for your loss.

Reading this has me in tears. It is so hard to watch someone you love die. You did a very brave thing to be with her right up to the end. I am sure she is very proud of you. May she rest in peace.:hug:

[bdamomma]

99. so sorry for your loss

may your mother always live in your heart.

[MzNov]

100. deepest sympathies for your loss nt

[powergirl]

102. Thank you for sharing your beautiful thoughts about your mom

I lost my mother about 15 years ago. I remember how much it hurt back then, dealing with hospitals, removing her from life support, trying to keep my dad and brother strong ( I was about 25 at the time). 15 years later, it is easier, but from time to time, I feel that same pain in my heart. God Bless you for caring so much to be with your mother during those really hard times. Are you the oldest child? It looks like you are. I am the oldest child and it is we who do our best to keep the family together. It's a hard job but I would do it again and I know you would too. Take care and cherish her memory.

[spuddonna]

103. Your mother, you and your family are in our prayers...

What an incredible, loving tribute to your mother... peace, and love to you too, and your family in this sorrow filled time. :hug:

[JI7]

104. i'm sorry

:hug:

[peacebuzzard]

105. Your mother raised a fine son, I know she was so proud of you.

and I hope you find peace and rest ... you have been through so much.

I am so sorry you lost your mom. (I wish my mom were here every day and she has been gone 25 years. I didn't have a chance to say goodbye to her. She died a of a sudden brain aneurysm--she was young)

My thoughts are with you tonight.

Peace, brother.

[barbtries]

106. that was so touching

your mother was lucky to have such a devoted son, and i'm sure you were a huge comfort to her as well as a load off her mind with respect to your father's issues. I will visit the links and be thinking about you...barbara

[spacelady]

107. Your Mom's photo is beautiful. That picture tells a great story about a

woman who lived large and loved her family. I am so sorry you lost her in this life but you are very lucky she was your Mom while she was here.

[Maiden England]

108. I'm so sorry for your loss

Your story was so moving, thank you for sharing it with us.

[maddezmom]

109. sorry about your mom

She was a lucky woman to have a great son like you. :hug:
Glad you're back

[cry baby]

110. Thank you for sharing your mom with us

and I'm so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful son you are, Rick.

[roguevalley]

111. you were a good son to your parents. what a good son you are.

my dad died July 23rd and I had to tell him that he couldn't be saved. it is an awesomely painful and searing experience to feel something like this, like you did. Your parents are proud of you for being there when they needed you. I hug you long distance and give you all my thoughts and prayers. Your parents sound wonderful.

[Festivito]

112. You have done well.

And that is a greater tribute, a greater comfort, a greater value to your mother beyond your excellently written post. Jobs very well done indeed.

[Swamp Rat]

113. .

:hug:

[OhioChick]

114. My condolences to you

:hug:

[unhappycamper]

115. I'm sorry to hear about the passing of your Mother.

You did the right thing by being there for your Mom and Dad. Losing a parent (or a child or a grandchild) is a terrible event.

Peace to you and your family.

[City Lights]

116. I'm so very sorry for your loss.

:cry:...I need a kleenex. :hug:

[Avalux]

117. So very sorry for your loss and thank you for sharing.

You are a wonderful son. :hug:

[PuraVidaDreamin]

118. You are a compassionate man Rick

and a good, kind son.
Be well!
Peace IN

[Rick Myers]

119. Big Hugs to all of you!!!

Your kind words mean more than you can imagine.

[ScreamingMeemie]

120. Rick...

:cry: :hug:

You have made me look at my life in a different light this morning. Thank you.

[newyawker99]

121. Rick.....

:hug:

[myrna minx]

122. Oh Rick, my deepest sympathies to you.

:hug: :cry: You sir, are such a loving son. Your mother sounds like such a beautiful soul. May she rest in peace. :hug: My best wishes to your father as well.

[Sparkly]

123. You did great.

I know that doesn't make it hurt less, but I hope you have the peace of knowing you did all you could, you handled it all beautifully, and your Mother knows it.

:hug:

[auntAgonist]

124. Every mother should have a son like you ...

Sincerely.

Thank you for your very heartfelt post. My deepest sympathy to you and yours.


:hug:
aA
kesha

[redqueen]

126. My deepest condolences...

Reading that brought tears to my eyes... bless you for being there for her, and for your dad, and for your country... hell, for being here, and sharing that.

:cry:

[Chemical Bill]

127. .

:cry:

[Joanne98]

128. The medical system is horrible. My father died of throat cancer.

It sounds like yours. We need a system that tells people they are going to die and let's them die with dignity. I will kill myself, before i let the greedy bastards do that to me.

[Rick Myers]

137. Amen.

The doctors NEVER told my Mom she was terminal. They just HINTED at it with me.... Sick...

[ninkasi]

129. I am so very, very sorry Rick

Your mother sounds like she was a really beautiful person. You were both lucky, you to have such a loving, good mother, and she, to have a loving son. Your memories of her will never die, and neither will the love that you had for each other.

I know there is nothing I can say to ease your grief, but you will be in my thoughts and prayers. The pain never goes away completely, but it becomes more bearable over time. From your description of her, you will have many wonderful memories to treasure over the years. :grouphug: from all of us at DU.

[GreenPartyVoter]

130. Bless you all *hugs*

[undergroundrailroad]

131. What a touching and emotional story.

I was very moved by this extremely beautiful experience that you described in a most eloquent manner :cry: .

My deepest condolences to you and your family.

O8) :loveya: Undergroundrailroad

[Rick Myers]

132. I love you all!!!

One last time...

Thank you to everyone at DU for the emotional support...

We love you all...

Rick and Janet

[burythehatchet]

136. blessed are the caretakers...

be well

[Avalon Sparks]

133. Your Eulogy is Beautiful....

and so are YOU! And your Mom must have been a beautiful person and spirit to raise such a loving son.

I'm so very sorry for your loss - their are no words that I can say.

Your story moved me today - and I wanted to let you know that it's people like you that give me hope for this world and I'd give you a hug if I could.

[Jazzgirl]

135. You have no idea how I felt reading this.

I am so sorry for your loss and what you had to go through. I lost my Dad in January and fear my mother isn't too far out. I am so sorry. I just don't know what to say right now. I went through the full range reading this. At least she doesn't suffer anymore.... :grouphug:

[IChing]

139. I'm Sorry Rick

I too lost my mother too at your age
your grief is felt.

[cally]

140. I'm happy you are part of our DU community

and that you were able to offer such loving care to your parents. Much love coming your way and I mourn with you for your Mom. :hug:

[u4ic]

141. Heartfelt condolences to you, Rick

:hug: