Goodbye Mom

12/22/2016

My Mom passed away in the night.

We knew the end was very near, as she passed into "Comfort Care" over a week ago. But our Mom was stronger than anyone expected, and she continued to fight. The whole family came together yesterday to keep vigil all day, and well into the night. But she waited until everyone was gone, before finally slipping away in the wee hours of the morning.

Jantje Wendelina Reitsma Dykstra
June 1929 - December 22, 2016

She was a wonderful, vibrant women, whom Alzheimer's stole from us long ago.
In some ways it's a relief that her struggles are finally over, but no one is truly ready when
the end does finally come. So now we have a funeral to plan. But it's also Christmas.

Any Christmas spirit I may have had, evaporated over a week ago, when we knew the end was near. We are all numb and exhausted from watching and waiting, but for the sake of the grandchildren we will go through the motions, and Christmas will go on.

We will miss you Mom

15 Comments

Carolyn Rae

12/22/2016 08:49:01 am

So sorry for your loss. I don't often comment but I love reading your blog. I have been through the long illness with my own parents, and understand the feeling of relief that the suffering is finally over, and the sense that you lost them long before they passed away. My own mother, bless her, hung on until we'd gone home to try and get a little rest. I wish you comfort and peace in the coming days. Your grandchildren will have a wonderful Christmas. The gifts you've made for them are wonderful, I hope they grow up to appreciate the love and incredible talent that went into making them.

Kate

12/22/2016 09:31:37 am

So, so sorry for your loss, Martha.

My father and his siblings put together a photo book about my grandmother after she passed, and made a few copies for family. I loved looking through it and getting to know her better even though she was gone.

Jane

12/22/2016 10:15:11 am

I am so sorry for your loss Martha.....so sorry indeed. Take care and look to the grandchildren to help you through this next week ((huge hugs)) xxx

Amy Murrell-Haunold

12/22/2016 12:39:37 pm

My deepest condolences.

Teresa F.

12/22/2016 09:19:26 pm

Deepest sympathies to you and your family. May warm, happy memories bring you comfort and strength.

Linda

12/23/2016 02:43:33 am

So very sorry for your loss.
Mijn oprechte deelneming.

jade link

12/23/2016 06:45:35 am

oh that hit right in the heart....
(((Tight HUG))))

Jitka

12/23/2016 07:34:22 am

I am so sorry for your loss, Martha.

Melissa

12/23/2016 11:27:03 am

I'm so sorry Martha. <3 Please take care of yourself.

martine grosjean

12/23/2016 10:32:34 pm

so sorry, I write a first comment, before reading this post .
Condoléances .

Brigitte

12/24/2016 11:42:40 am

My deepest condolences. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Danyda Feldman

12/26/2016 11:20:34 am

I just saw this. I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a parent is never easy. Sending love to you and your family.

Joyce Johnson

12/26/2016 09:38:46 pm

I'm so sorry for your loss.:( My Mom passed about 18 months ago, I know how difficult it can be. Praying for you and your family, may you feel peace and remember all the good times with your mother.

Candy S link

1/24/2017 07:55:33 am

I am so sorry for your loss.

designdreamer

8/6/2022 01:46:24 pm

I know this happened almost 6 years ago, but I would still like to express my condolences. Not only are you and I close in age, but our mothers were as well. As with the two of us, your mother was a little less that a year older.

Goodbye Mom

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