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Tuesday, January 5, 2010

. . . There Is A Season

To everything there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under heaven:


A time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war; and a time of peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
King James Version

*********************************************Catherine, called Tina
March 31, 1921 - January 5, 2010
***************************************

Very early this morning, shortly after midnight, it became my mother's time to die. She passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord, and is Home. Alzheimer's disease may have defeated her in this life, but she has won the real reward.

It's been a busy day, and the next few days will be busy also. I want to thank the many of you who have sent kind wishes and prayers our way, both on the blog and privately. It's been tremendously comforting and uplifting.

****************************************************************************

And since Truth is stranger than Fiction . . .
a quick tale of remarkable coincidence.


As we sat talking with the funeral director in his office this morning, I glanced
at a nearby wall, where there were pictures of the two prior locations of the funeral home,
which has been owned by the same family for 3 generations.


The picture of their first funeral parlor looked very familiar.
Very, very familiar.
In fact, it looked pretty much like this:




That Old House served as their original funeral parlor from 1936 to 1938.
Now, what are the odds of that, I ask you?

*********************************************************************************

I am not sure what it is like in Heaven, only that if it indeed holds great joy and delight for my Mother, it will surely also hold wonderful yarn; for my Mom, it was always a time to knit. I wouldn't be surprised if the good Lord has a nice Fisherman's sweater before the week is out.

Blessings and thanks to you all -- Cass

38 comments:

  1. I have no words to make you feel better, just know that I am thinking of you and your family at this difficult time. I'm truly sorry for your loss. Enjoy the many wonderful stories about your mom that you will hear in the coming days. I lost my mom many, many years ago, it's a loss that catches you off guard when you least expect it.
    I'm sorry.
    gail

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  2. So sorry for your loss...my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

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  3. Cass, I am so sorry for the loss of your mother...I pray that you and your family will be uplifted and find comfort and peace in the days ahead.

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  4. Cass -- our prayers are with you and your family. I understand your feeling as I lost my Mom, too (and my Dad when I was just a teen). I'd give you a big hug if we were closer! Hugs are NEEDED now!

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  5. Cass,
    We are so very sorry for your loss.

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

    My Mum loved knitting too before Alzheimer's took it away from her. I'm sure your Mum has all the yarn she needs and is knitting away to her hearts content.

    I'm so so sorry,
    Big Hugs and all my love,
    Kym-Anne & David

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  6. Cass - I am so sorry for your loss. (((hugs))). :(
    Glenda

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  7. Cass, I am so sorry for the loss of your Mom. May God whisper comfort in your ears. Heaven is so much better.

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  8. Cass~~~~


    I am so sorry for you loss and send my condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

    Much love,

    Jane

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  9. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time, a lovely post for a lovely woman.

    and OH.. my LORD, Cass - your house's history!!....

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  10. And The Lord looked down upon His faithful servant and said, you have pleased me greatly. I know that there will come the unexpected rushes of emotion and memories in waves, but Cass, this is just so beautiful, so God-like...your home being the original funeral home is a message from your Mother...she is home now, safe and sound, sound of mind, and always with you. There was nothing sad about your Mother's life...I see that in her photo. May our Blessed Mother Mary surround you and your family and bring you comfort and strength...One more Wise Woman made it in time for the Epiphany. Sending all of my love upon the wings of a desert sparrow. Love, Deb

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  11. So sorry to hear about your Mom but at least she left his crazy world peacefully. My prayers are with her, you and your family.
    Very interesting fact about "That Old House."

    Bless you--

    Melinda

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  12. Cass, I'm so sorry about your mom. I hope the day will come when there will be consolation in the knowledge that her mind is now sharp as a tack again.

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  13. I'm so sorry for your loss and my thoughts are with you now.

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  14. God Bless You! How wonderful that you had so many years with your mother. Aren't you glad that you believe in life everlasting? I lost my mother when I was 25, over 37 years ago. Take care of yourself now.

    Charla

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  15. Cass, I am so sorry about your mother. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.

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  16. I am so sorry for your loss. What a sweet picture of your mother. That is really something about the house being their first parlor. I will pray for your strength during this difficult time.

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  17. Oh Cass
    Please accept my condolences on the passing of your Mother...it's hard to let our loved ones go..but knowing they are safe and in a perfect heaven with perfect bodies makes it easier to bear for me...Hugs and prayers. Sonia

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  18. Cass, I am sure that my mother is holding a welcoming tea for your mother in Heaven. Two creative women, loved by their daughters and so much to share.
    My heart is aching for you, but know that your mother is the healthiest, most beautiful and by far the happiest person right now.
    God is good!
    Hugs,
    Karen
    Ladybug Creek

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  19. Sorry for the loss of your mom, from catherine the french family were Josh has spent some time in France.My thougts are with your family.

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  20. Cass, I am very sorry for the lost of your mother. My thoughts are for you and your family. My father is also borned in 1921, so 88 years. On new year's day, I went to see him at the home, and I had to feed him. He is going slowly, I don't see the light in his eyes. The rest of the winter will be tought.
    All the Best for all of you.
    France

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  21. Isn't that interesting about the funeral parlor being that old house.

    My thoughts and well wishes are with you at this time. Love the picture of your mom, beautiful!
    Valerie

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  22. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God will enjoy that sweater!

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  23. I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Sandy

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  24. Cass,

    I am deeply sorry for the loss of your mother. This blog posting is a beautiful memorial to her.

    Pam

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  25. My dear Cass, having just gone through this I can tell you that it is very hard, hard to breathe, hard to eat, hard to sit still, hard to cry, hard not to cry. God bless you, your Dad and your family. I will pray for solace for all of you. Perhaps your Mom can teach my Mom to knit in heaven, God knows I couldn't here on earth. After you can breathe again go to my blog, get my phone number and call me, so we can visit. Much love and prayers to you.

    Designs for You,
    Carol
    http://wwwbeenblogged.blogspot.com/

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  26. I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you take some time to rest and pamper yourself. Rosie

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  27. This always brings me comfort when I read it. I know it did for me after my own mom's death.
    Do not stand on my grave and weep
    I am not there I do not sleep.
    I am a thousand winds that blow
    I am the diamond glints in the snow
    I am the sunlight on ripened grain
    I am a gentle Autumns rain
    When you awaken in the morning hush
    I am the swift uplifting rush
    I am the birds in circled flight
    I am the soft stars that shine at night
    So do not stand on my grave and cry
    I am not there.... I did not die

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  28. Cass,
    So very sorry for the loss of your Mom. A difficult time for your entire family, but I hope you gather strength from eachother. Very strange about the shared history of your home. Sends goosebumps, really.
    Maureen

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  29. Please know that you are in my thoughts during this difficult time...I may not comment much on your posts, but I read every one of them and, as is a magical part of this blogworld, feel a part of your life.

    May you find your healing in the comforting arms of That Old House, who, as you discovered in a special turn of events, truly understands loss and grieving. And who will shelter you now and for as long as you need her.

    elizabeth

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  30. I'm so sorry Cass. I know what it's like to love someone so much it .... well, let's just say I know. Alzheimers is so awful and in fact worse than that. I hope she is up their knitting a sweater for the lord and dancing to big band music with my grandfather another victim to the disease.

    (((love)))
    rue

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  31. Cass...so very sorry to hear of the loss of your Mom....she was a beautiful women and it sounds like you are at peace with her passing..
    Sue.

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  32. I just started following your blog about a week ago. I am so sorry to read about your loss. Your mother was beautiful. Warm hugs and prayers for you and your family.

    Adriana

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  33. Praying for your family... I know you have been through alot, we lost my mother-in-law to this disease in March. I hope knowing she is resting in the arms of the lord will give you comfort.

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  34. Cass, I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you and yours in my prayers. Loved your thought of your mother knitting a sweater for God, and how amazing that you learned something about your house. Sending you hugs. laurie

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  35. Thank you for leaving a comforting comment regarding my dear friend's passing.
    Now, in return, I must say that you are in my thoughts too Cass knowing that you have just lost your dear mother. I am so sorry for your loss. I know only too well what you are feeling, our mothers were so important. But, it's amazing how close they still feel even after they die - I often feel mine is still with me and I still share a word with her now and then, wondering how she would react or feel at a certain moment. Remember your mother for all the beautiful times you shared, and know she is now in a better place and at peace.
    Hugs - Mary

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  36. Dear Cass
    I am so sorry to hear of the death of your mother. I know it's an encouragement to know she is in heaven but even so it's sad for you who will miss her.
    Hugs, Rhondi

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  37. My Dear friend...I'm so sorry to hear about your mama....she now with my Mama who also died from ALS 2 years ago...many Blessings to you and your family...Cass I don't know if you want an ALS ribbon for your blog or not...but if you click on mine it will take you to the site and you can add one for your mama on your blog...its helps to let people be more aware of ALS and to honor your love one...May she walk with angels...hugs and smiles Gl♥ria....I'm here for you if you need me girl

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  38. Oh, I'm so sorry for your loss. Your memories, and the love you feel for her, will never die.

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