SAD TIMES

2016 has been a memorable and sad year for our family.  Those of you who know me, will know how much my Mom meant to me - she was truly my best friend and we are a very close family.  In July while I was visiting Maryland and, as always, stayed with my Mom; teaching in Alexandria always meant a great visit with Mom (we would go to dinner and shop too) while I got to do what I love - share my passion for felting/dyeing and, on top of that, my dear friend Pat Smith, always on hand to chauffeur me to and from class and her husband would even prepare lunch for us.  When I got to Maryland, I found that Mom was totally unwell and the day after I finished teaching, I insisted that we go to the Emergency Room; she usually balked at that idea but she was feeling so bad that she agreed.  Well, one thing led to another and after all the test results were in, it was found that she was indeed very very ill and wasn't going to be with us for very long.  Simultaneously, one of her younger sisters was very ill and in Hospice; it seemed as though they would not get to see each other again; however, through Divine Intervention, I am convinced, Mom ended up at the same fabulous Hospice in a room right next to her sister.  

Now there was no way that we could have made this happen as much as we wanted to as there were only six rooms in the Kline House - which is the most fabulous large Hospice House that you can imagine; but just when we were struggling to do the best for Mom (NO sticking her in some nursing home), word came that a room at the Kline House became available.  I was sooo very fortunate to be with her every step of the way and our family stepped up to the plate and made themselves available and to care for me and spend time with Mom at such an awful time.  Mom received the utmost care day and night; the staff was so loving and caring and for that we will be forever grateful.  In any event, she passed away with the family at her bedside on September 21, 2016,  Even though it was a difficult  2 1/2 months, we couldn't have asked for anything better for a 93 year old - but we are never ready to lose our Mom - it is so hard not to have her to call every evening and hear about her day as I have done for as long as I've been away from home - 54 years; a habit not easy to break.

I've been keeping myself busy so I hope to be back to blogging more regularly soon;and am busy planning for 2017!