Friday, May 8, 2009

My Momma

























My Momma was born on March 6, 1933. Her proud parents named her Opal Earlene, she was one of six kids. She had three sisters and two brothers. They named her right, she was certainly a shining jewel in this world. My Momma was a strong, courageous woman, everyone that met her, loved her. She always had tons of friends, her magnetic personality just pulled people to her. She was a beautiful woman, with such stunning features. She had gorgeous skin, and a lovely head of hair that I would give anything to have. Her smile always lit up the room with joy, and she was so much fun to be around. One of the many things I loved, and admired greatly about my Momma, was the fact that she was real. She never tried to be, or act like anyone, but herself. She loved to go to yard sales, and have yard sales. Flea markets brought her much joy, as well as going to resale shops. My Momma could spot a bargain a mile away. She loved eating at the waffle house, and IHOP. At any given moment, she would look over at my lovebug, give him that wink of hers, and say: Wanna go to IHOP sweetie? Away we would go, and we would have so much fun. Momma loved life, and lived it to the fullest. After her stroke in 1998, Momma had to learn to talk correctly, and walk correctly, and she did it quickly. She had suffered 40% brain damage, the Doctors were all amazed at her progress, but not me. I knew what my Momma was capable of, and I cheered her on the entire time. After her stroke, her relationship with my two brothers, and my sister changed. Not on Mommas part, but on their part. I think they felt afraid to come around because of the brain damage, they felt Momma was too different. Did the brain damage affect my Momma? Of course it did, she could not remember alot of things, and was childlike in many ways. But, she was still my Momma, and I loved and respected her dearly. I was so proud of the way she fought to come back from her stroke. She did great, until September of 2005. She started having various health problems, bless her heart. She had been living with me and lovebug since 2003. She was constantly having to go to Doctor appointments, and emergency rooms. Finally, in March of 2006, she was in the hospital, and the Doctor told me that my Momma was dying. I asked how long did she have, he said six months or longer. He said I had to make a decision, either put her in a nursing home, the hospice unit at the hospital, or bring her home. I said, my Momma is going back home with me. I will take care of her, and that is what I did. She came home from the hospital on March 21st, one month later on April 21st 2006, I walked in her room, and she had went to heaven. I praise God for the honor, and privilege it was to take care of my dear Momma. She suffered so intensely the last part of her life, but she always smiled through the pain. My Momma taught me such beautiful lessons in courage, faith, and love. She was, and continues to be my inspiration. This year is my fourth mothers day without her, I love and miss her terribly. But, there is coming a day, very soon, when we will be reunited, and will never say goodbye again. Praise God. Happy Mothers Day Sweet Angel Momma, I love you, and forever will.

34 comments:

luvmy4sons said...

You were a wonderful daughter to your mamma! I know you miss her. Hugs to you sister!

Amanda said...

Hi! You have been nominated for an swesome blog 2009 Award! Stop by and see what category someone thought you should win!

http://awesomestblogs2009.blogspot.com/

God bless-
Amanda

April said...

My heart goes out to you because of your loss...I completely understand. Your heartfelt tribute to your mom was so beautiful. It IS a comfort knowing we'll see our moms in Heaven one day. Sending you BIG HUGS! Love ya!

Sandi said...

I want to say thank you. The other day I needed to hear some Christian praise music but wasn't near a radio, tv or other kind of music. What I did have was my back-berry. I log onto your blog and could hear the praise music I so needed to hear. Thank you.

Pilar said...

I know how you feel and my heart goes out to you. I lost my wonderful mom almost 5 years ago to cancer. They said it would be a year but ended up being 3 months. I was then living in the States and she was in Spain. I flew right away to be with her. I was with her when she died and that was hard to get over. But I praise God I will see her in heaven one day.
I think this is the first mother´s day I don´t cry. I miss her

Tea with Tiffany said...

Your posts about your mom always make me tear up. You are a servant with a huge heart of love..

Yes, one day you will see your precious mom again! Oh what a day that will be.

Michele Williams said...

You were such an awesome daughter to your sweet mamma! Such a comfort I know for you to know that you will see her again! Love you!

Unknown said...

so beautiful... God Bless you...

I love you..

Omah's Helping Hands said...

Sweetie, you brought tears to my eyes. Every mother should have a daughter as loving as you are. What a blessing you were and are to her. Such sweet words. I love you dearly Denise. May the sweet Lord be with you as you think of your momma and comfort you. Won't that be a glorious day to once again be reunited for ever. The story of your mom is such an inspiration. It's given me a whole new way to look at things. Thank you and God Bless you!

Heather said...

precious tribute to your momma :)

Cascia Talbert said...

What a beautiful tribute to your mom.

Irene said...

Oh Denise! I am a firm believer that people should pass away in peace at home, instead of a cold hospital bed. The Lord is so happy with you!

Samantha said...

Sweet Denise, your post brought tears to me eyes. A beautiful mothers day tribute to your precious mom, just lovely.
Hugs and blessings to you my dear friend.

A Stone Gatherer said...

A wonderful tribute to your mother!

Blog is no more said...

What a nice tribute to your mom, she is a beautiful woman.

Melissa, Multi-Tasking Mama said...

Oh Denise, I am so sorry for your loss. I am so proud of you for taking such great care of your momma in her last days...what a privilege. Have a happy Mother's Day!

Beth in NC said...

Your Mom was beautiful, and you were such a gift to her. That is beautiful Denise!

Bernadine said...

Your mother was as beautiful on the outside as you described her to be on the inside.
Thinking about you this weekend
love & hugs

Genefaith said...

thanks for sharing how wonder ful your mom was....

I have an award for you. It's here: Over the top award

Always a Southern Girl said...

Denise, What a beautiful Mama you have. What a beautiful story of her life. I think she and I would have gotten along really well. I to, love flea markets, garage sale, thirft shops.

Karen said...

What a precious and inspiring tribute to your Momma! You obviously have the same loving attributes that she had....

Leaon Mary said...

I feel privileged to read about your angel Momma Denise. Thank you for sharing your heart, tears and journey with me.
Your Mother was gorgeous. You honored her so well, loved her so well, and she lives on through you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I understand your feelings with all my heart. I too miss my Mom so badly.
I'm really glad that you had such a wonderful relationship with your Momma. Isn't it sad when you now hear mothers/daughters squabble, and fuss over stupid stuff? If they only knew how bad it hurts when thee other is no longer there, and how much you miss them when they are gone. :(
Take heart right now Denise in the joy you'll feel when you are together again. You ARE a wonderful daughter and wonderful SOUL.
Love ya,
Lea

Daphine said...

Such a precious tribute to your Mom! Isn't is aweseome that you'll get to see her again one day sweet friend?

Blessings to you and BIG hugs your way!

Debra Kaye said...

Denise...What a wonderful momma you had and how I know you long to celebrate with her in Heaven!

You were the most special of daughters too...and I know she is so proud of you.

Blessings and hugs to you!!

Pam D said...

What a beautiful tribute, Denise; but you give your mom beautiful tributes often, not just on Mother's Day. She was obviously a strong, loving, awesome mom, and I know she had to be so proud of you. She sure was beautiful, too; I loved looking at those pictures of her! And, a woman after my own heart, loving bargains and IHOP! We would have gotten along well. You WILL be with her again and see that sweet face; til then, you know right where she is. God is good....
Blessings to you, sweet friend.. love you!

Susannah said...

Your blog is looking mighty perty!

Thanks for sharing your Mom with us. :~D

Grace said...

Your Momma was beautiful, Denise. She almost look the same with my Mama and almost the same birth year, my mama was born on 1931. And I thank God that she is still with us. Praise God! I love my Mama. :)

Anne Lang Bundy said...

Denise, if you have any photos of the two of you together I'd love to see them. Thank you for sharing this lovely woman with us. How happy she must be with Jesus! I look forward to meeting her.

Gretchen said...

Hugs, Denise. A beautiful mother, and a beautiful daughter, both.

Aunt Angie said...

Denise--she was beautiful..and STILL is for she is dancing on the streets of glory today!

She would have been great buddies with my mother...similar likes!

Your heart is like hers...pulling people in---and they SEE and FEEL the LOVE of Jesus Christ!

You are such a blessing!

I love you and still STILL can't wait until I can hug you in October!

Cheryl said...

I am sorry about your loss Denise but am happy to hear that you were able to take care of your Mom! I'm sure that she was much happier staying with you than in a nursing home. I'll bet you made life much easier on her, what a wonderful daughter you must have been.

Jennsmere said...

Hi Denise...thanks for sharing about your precious Mother. I think she is just waiting on all of us to arrive...maybe with my Mother! Won't it be grand!!

Love you!
Susan

LisaShaw said...

Beautiful tribute and photos. God bless you.

bp said...

I'm sure your Momma is proud of her beautiful daughter!

Thanks for sharing her story and the special woman she will always be to you.