Born February 9, 1926 ~ Died July 27, 2000
Helen Isaak BaergNine years ago...in July of 2000...my mom was eagerly anticipating the arrival of the entire family. Two sisters and their families were coming from Manitoba...my brother and his family from Iowa...and Bev and her boys from Texas. She was busy filling up the freezer...baking pies and making cabbage rolls...and getting ready for the Baerg reunion...which was the reason they were all coming home. At the beginning of the month she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer...and knew this might be the last time she would be hosting the family. They arrived by the Sunday...we all went to Minter Gardens together...and mom had us all in for supper...because she wanted to! On Monday she took very ill...and a few days later she was gone. They had come for a reunion...but instead we were all together as our mother passed away.
We spent this past weekend at a family reunion...and I had to think of the one nine years ago...that never turned out as we had planned. Now we are left with the memories...but one day we will be reunited again.
Remembering...
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful lady. Through my work with Hospice I have learned people have the power to choose when they die. She chose to have her family gathered around and I'm sure was so happy and fulfilled and ready to go "home". What a blessing.
ReplyDeleteThis brought me to tears today. A kind, loving tribute to a lady I am sure was one very special lady. Love the memories that you shared about her preparing that meal for the family she cherished.
ReplyDeleteShe was a beautiful woman. I agree with jrmom, people have the power to choose when they die. That is surely a blessing. That is the way she wanted it. It makes it hard for the ones left behind, but I think that is a gift from God to have your family together and have their blessing to pass on. I have worked with many dying patients too, and sometime the patient is ready before the family. That is one of the beauties of Hospice.
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A wonderful tribute to your mother! Thanks for sharing your memories Judy!
ReplyDeleteYour mother was one incredible gal. What fortitude, love, and strength of character. God bless you all as you remember.
ReplyDeleteI too agree that people sometimes wait for an event to come before they die. It was nice that your mom was able to have that one last reunion with her family. Its so nice that you have happy memories.
ReplyDeleteI can see where you get your beautiful smile, Judy.
ReplyDeleteThat was a lovely tribute to your mom, who seems to have willed herself to stay on this earth until her children could be together to support one another and your father in your loss.
what a blessing for your mom to be able to have her children around her table one last time. My mom also passed away very suddenly several days after hosting us all.
ReplyDeleteIsn't the hope we have to be with our mom's wonderful? We have an eternity of get togethers ahead of us.
Your Mom was a beautiful looking woman Judy, and more importantly she raised a lovely family which must have made her so happy. It was a blessing that you were all there with her at her end and had a chance to say goodbye. My thoughts and prayers are with you today as your honor and remember her.
ReplyDeleteJudy, you are so good at making memories. And, our memories are such an incredible treasure.
ReplyDeleteYour mother left a wonderful legacy in her family.
Wow! As much as it must hae been and still is very hard, what a beautiful way to go... with the family all around one last time. .. not fair to those that are left, but you could not have wished better for her - my selfish heart would say, another 5 years would have been good too and then keep asking for more, right?
ReplyDeleteA beautiful tribute and collage.
May God comfort and continue to bless you with the memories.
What a wonderful tribute. She probably had the best reunion as she cooked for all. We cannot choose our time, but we sure can choose our faith and how we live.
ReplyDeleteShe has left you a wonderful legacy.
Judy, this is such a sweet post. She was so pretty and I imagine so sweet. That is wonderful that she could cook for you. She probably loved preparing every dish and knowing she was making her family happy. What do people do without the Blessed Hope? Thank the Lord we will see our mothers again.
ReplyDeleteI am sure that was a very sad time for your family. Your mom sounds like a very special lady. It was nice that you were all able to be together at that time and also nice that you are still getting together for family reunions.
ReplyDeleteWe just lost a friend to the insidious disease of MS. He had suffered for almost 30 years and now he is dancing in heaven--running, leaping, canoeing, everything he wants to do. Isn't it wonderful to know that our loved ones are there and we will see them again.
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