You only get One........
 

Most of the time when I’ve had a long day a work I take a look at Pelican OT to see what’s the latest in the world of PPOT and very rarely am I let down….someone else has been put on Z-Man’s 2-week vacation plan, someone is talking about the girl(s) of their dream, someone has been able to put their marriage back together (which lately has been a huge help personally), and/or to hear someone’s philosophical personal point of view which causes me to stop and think for a moment. Today I wanted to share my own personal point of view on something that is going to bother me for a long time because I thought about it, but didn’t act out on something as simple as a phone call.

This morning I went over to my Mom’s house to do a few choirs and to visit with her, but I knew something wasn’t right when she didn’t meet me at the door. I found my Mom in her bedroom and sometime early this morning she had passed away. Without going into all of the challenges she had experienced over the past 20 months, the three greatest that she faced was being diagnosed with diabetes back in early 09, congestive heart issues related to the diabetes (leading to her receiving a pace-maker in March), and breast cancer this past January, not to mention me having to move her from our family home of 35 years (which needed major renovation) to a smaller home. Since I’m the oldest of three, 99% of the responsibility (both houses and the balance of the financials) had been placed on my shoulders so lately when Mom called for help around the house, I tried to be there to take care of her needs, but sometimes I fell short.

This weekend will bother me the rest of my life because I thought about calling her to check-in and she how her 4th of July was, but I procrastinated and told myself that it could wait until today…..well today is too late. So I’d like to remind you that you only get one…….one Mom and one Dad. Treasure your time with them and NEVER miss an opportunity to call and tell them that you love them.

On a very positive note, I was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel last month there was nobody more proud of me than my Mom……..here is a photo of us shortly after she “pinned” me.

I Love You Mom.


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1278467128.jpg

edit - sorry, i need reading comprehension lessons...

congrats on the promotion. sorry about your loss - god speed

Deepest condolences, Mike.

Great read. Sorry to hear about her passing, but it was her time. She was there for you and you were there for her, over the last few years. I'm dealing with the same thing on my wife's side with her dad. Her Mom is just stressed out from caring for him in their own place. My wife is the closest and most helpful of all the siblings, so it will come pretty hard when they pass away. Again, sorry for your loss, but that is one great picture.

Deepest condolences on your loss and congratulations on your promotion. I am going through a very similar time with my Dad at the moment. He was diagnosed with ALS 2 years ago and it is progressing very quickly.


Chris

I spent a few hours with my mom on the 4th. After reading this, i'm glad i did.

Sorry to hear of your loss, but congrats on your silver oakleafs.

My condolences Mike. I probably wouldn't have been as clear headed to write such a beautifully written summery. When it is time to leave, it is time.
I think the quality of life is expotentially more important than the quantity, and it sounds like she lived life to the fullest. That is something which should never be taken away.

sorry for your families loss,
please carry on with all the good that your mother has given to you,
just that fact that you missed out and it bothers you says volumes about your character

My condolences Mike. Please don't beat yourself over the above. Your mom lives on in your memories, so think about how she would dismiss your feelings of guilt (which is perfectly natural imo). You made her very proud...it's obvious in that beautiful picture. Be well...

My sincerest condolences to you and your family.

People. It is what the world is about. Cherish them. Love them. Take care of them.

Mission accomplished Mike.

Mike, my condolences.

Thanks for sharing your story of a beautiful woman.

Mike, my condolances. All of us who have lost parents wish for that one more time conversation. The pic of your promotion sez it all...your mom loved you...
Hang on to that.

Mike, it sounds like you loved your mom, and she shared the same love for you. By writing this post it shows the composure that I hope I can have during a difficult situation like the one you are faced with. We are here for you if ya need someone to talk to.

condolences on your loss, I can't even imagine...

Mike, I am sorry to hear of your loss.
I don't know how you feel, but I lost my dad 5 months ago and it still hurts, but it is getting better.

Mike - I can relate. Seems like we always want to say or do that one last thing before...well before we never see that person again. Many of us make it a habit to make sure we tell those we love that we love them as often as we can. Seems like we don't want regrets for not letting that person know how we felt.

I think they know. Sorry for your loss. Prayers made

Sorry for your loss, Mike. I never decline a visit from my Mom or to drive to see her.

She can be frustrating for us at times but I figure I was kind of a handful when growing up so I owe her.

Take care.

Sounds to me like you were a good son and your mother was very proud of you. You never make all the right calls and can't be there all the time. Don't beat yourself up for that. Condolences on the death of your mother.

I had to give a eulogy on July 5th for a very good friend. He had been a CW4 helo pilot in the Army for 26 years, spent three tours in Vietnam (medivac) and recently spent 8 months in the hospital trying to recover from a brain abscess, most of that time in ICU. In the end it came down to a decision for his brother. I will miss my friend but I know now he is in a better place. July 4th will never be the same for either of us.

I'm certain your mother is in a better place as well and she is proud she had such a good son.

Everything Mom

How did you find the energy, Mom
To do all the things you did,
To be teacher, nurse and counselor
To me, when I was a kid.

How did you do it all, Mom,
Be a chauffeur, cook and friend,
Yet find time to be a playmate,
I just can’t comprehend.

I see now it was love, Mom
That made you come whenever I'd call,
Your inexhaustible love, Mom
And I thank you for it all.

By Joanna Fuchs

Mission accomplished indeed.