Odd that you listed your mother third.

Not really. They always say that famous people die in 3's, so Tabs is elevating mother to that status.

And mother never dies. If you boyz had done some therapy you'd know all about your inner mom...

Sorry to hear that Tabs.

You got orphaned at quite a young age.

When my Mom died it was the sadest day of my life, and when my Dad died, yeah, probably the happiest.

Tabs - I always knew you were a man of wealth and taste. Your tribute - well, that's the best indication of inded how rich you are.

Thank you for the words you wrote. I am certain your parents are looking down on you, thinking, "Son, you did not fail us..."

Two years ago tomorrow, October 10th 2009, I held my mother as she died quietly at home of emphysema. She was 76 and the anchor of our family. It wasn't as sad as I thought it would be, it was almost a relief in a way, but I hate not having one of the "adults" in the family anymore. (Dad died suddenly at 59 in 1989.) I believe it was Yul Brenner who made the famous anti-smoking commercial that played after he died. It warned people not to smoke because of the cancer that killed Brenner. Very powerful. Mom tried several times to quit and finally did but the damage was done and she slowly suffocated over ten years. So sorry to hear about your mom tabs.

32 years ago for my dad.

i remember my mom lying to him when he started bleeding out of every orifice. she told him he accidentally pissed himself when he felt the wetness. no kid should know this stuff.

well written tabby..you brought up some of my own memories and feelings. i hope i die in a quicker fashion.

Thaqnk You Z man..But I don't quite think that she would be thiniking that...she is rolling over in her grave so often that she is disturbing the neighbors. I keep on getting these complaint notices from the cemetary that if she doesn't cease and desist that they are going to kick her out. God forbid is she has to come and stay with me, then I would never hear the end of it.

You see Mother is alive and well no matter where she is at, because I know exactly what she would say in any given situation. So being dead has not stopped her from expressing her opinion one whit. Now it is the collect phone calls I get from her that I object to...

Thank you tabs. It was kind of you to share this.

Yes. That is the ultimate reality.

A moving tribute Tabs. Hats off.

Thanks, TABS. Your eloquence helps us all to know we are not alone in our feelings. My mother has been gone 30 years this year, and the conflicting emotions of both sadness and relief are with me still. Thanks again!

Tabs,
You have my sympathy and admiration for sharing your experience with us. My friend's mother is dying right now and it's a tough process...