This photo is of my mom and I at her 70th birthday party.  Unfortunately, we lost her in December of 2025 due to pancreatic cancer.  My mom was a quiet humble woman.  She always put everyone else's needs first, especially her kids, husbands and grandchildren.  She was the best "Meme" to our two children, Claire and Timmy.  Not only was she their "Meme" but also their best friends.  It has not gotten easier at the times have passed without her presence.  So many times I go to pick up the phone to tell her something, and for a brief minute forget that she is no longer here physically.  If time does heal, it has not done so yet.  I do find peace in the things she shared with all of us and not only keeping her memory alive, but her as a person alive in things she held so dear. 

Hospice was a truly unique experience for us.  We had worked with Hospice years ago when my grandmother fell ill, but things have changed.  I say this in a positive way, as things have changed for the better.  My mom was able to leave her earthly presence peacefully in the home she built for our family.  This would not have been possible without the help and support of the hospice team.  Words will not do justice for what they were able to provide to our family.  The guidance, support and graceful demeanor by our Hospice team, made it almost a joyful experience.  As silly as that may sound to some, their support made the transition to not having my mom around peaceful.  She was in her own home, surrounded by people she loved, with manageable pain, and continued support.  

My dad, wife and myself were empowered to provide the care she needed, when she needed it most and like she always provided all of us, with the support and encouragement of the Hospice Team.  I like to believe that we did a good job and made her proud.  The Hospice Team surely did made us feel like we did a great job.  We did have to giggle at times, as we through we were doing great, but the hospice team would show up and after they left, she looked like she was more comfortable than anything we could have done on our own.  

Nothing every prepares you to lose a mom.  She was my best friend, my biggest advocate, and my largest fan.  Life is and will never be the same, but one thing I am assured of is that it was truly the honor of my life to care for my mom when she needed it the most.  That is something that can never be taken away from me and does provide me with some level of peace.   A huge thanks to Taylor our nurse, Dr O and Emily our Social Worker.  

People say life is precious and it absolutely is.  Call someone you love, just to let them know you love them.  Never miss a moment to let those you care about know how you feel.  There will be times you look back and will be thankful you did.  Miss you momma and love you!