26 Comments
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Nan Tepper's avatar

Thank you, Cathy.

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Joyce Corey's avatar

Thank you, Cathy, for capturing your mother's life-- and her gentle passing-- with words. Sending a hug.

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Cathy Joseph's avatar

Hug received with great appreciation. Thank you, Joyce!

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Paulette Bodeman's avatar

Cathy, thank you for sharing a heartfelt and honest tribute to your mom. I appreciate how your love for your mother shines through and your empathy in understanding her inability to move through her suffering and find more joy. Although I imagine it's comforting to know that in her last few years, in her way, she did. Beautiful.

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Cathy Joseph's avatar

I am happy for the joy she was able to find, and only wish she could have experienced more of it over the years. Thank you for your kind comment, Paulette - it's much appreciated.

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Paulette Bodeman's avatar

Losing a parent provides us the opportunity for much contemplation. I lost mine six years ago. The writing is helpful.

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Cathy Joseph's avatar

I am sorry for your loss, Paulette. I agree that writing helps. It helps me clarify my thoughts.

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Rosaria's avatar

Cathy- beautifully said; sending a big hug.

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Cathy Joseph's avatar

Thank you, Rosaria!

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Sandra Pawula's avatar

Cathy, An incredibly poingnat piece. Thank you for sharing so honestly and vulnerably. It's so sad when people spend their whole life suffering. At least your Mom had a view pockets of joy.

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Cathy Joseph's avatar

Thank you, Sandra. I used to get frustrated that she did so little to resolve her suffering - especially so when I was old enough to be aware of those pockets of joy. From this vantage point, I believe she came here to experience exactly what she did, and I don’t need to understand it. But still, I can feel sad that those happy times did not extend longer for her.

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Rhaine Della Bosca's avatar

Cathy, such a beautiful piece! While reading I could relate to aspects of my own relationship with my mother. Also what struck me were these snap shots of a life; the struggles, pain and beauty of it all. Thank you for sharing 🩷

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Cathy Joseph's avatar

Thank you, Rhaine. I have thought about these pieces of my mother’s life for so long but had not considered the beauty of it all. You have given me another lens from which to view it, and I greatly appreciate that!

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SuddenlyJamie's avatar

You have a beautiful way of capturing people, of really seeing them. The word that came to mind is “heart clarity,” which I know is not a thing, but it’s what popped into my head as I read this piece. There is an effortless honesty in your writing that is also full of empathy. Those two attributes rarely come in a single package.

It does not feel like condolences are the right thing to offer in light of your story, so I will just wish you - and your mom - ever-deepening peace. xo

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Cathy Joseph's avatar

Oh Jamie, you so fill my heart! I will save this comment to come back to often. Thank you for sharing your insights and for understanding that condolences are not quite right in this situation. Deepening peace is a wish that is a noble one for us all.

Thank you for your amazing ability to move hearts as only you can do. You are quite wonderful!! --XX!!

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Robyn Stratton-Berkessel's avatar

And, dear Cathy, may your wish for your mother come true🙏. Peace, love and joy to you!

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Cathy Joseph's avatar

Thank you so much, Robyn!!

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Leslie Rasmussen's avatar

Dear Kathy, thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings with such open clarity. May you continue to be in peace knowing that she is no longer suffering and truly at peace and may your own memories heal as the peace goes deeper each day.

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Cathy Joseph's avatar

Thank you, Leslie - that is a beautiful!!

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Mo__'s avatar

Truly beautiful. Love how you let the sadness be and focused on nurture for your mom and then joy! TY Cathy for sharing.

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Cathy Joseph's avatar

Thank you, Mo - this is so nice to read!!

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Mo__'s avatar

🤗💕

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Dr. Wallace. Embody Evolution's avatar

Beautiful writing. Thank you for sharing it.

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Cathy Joseph's avatar

Thank you, Aubrey!

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Mary Romeo's avatar

Cathy, this is a very thoughtful tribute to your Mother. It is an amazing turn of events in her life that she could be loved and caressed with loving gestures and gentle caring hands until she chose to go home to her Mom and sister. Bless your memories and bless your Mothers reunion in heaven. I'm sending loving hugs...always.

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Cathy Joseph's avatar

Thank you, Mary! I consider the love and nurturing Mom received the past few years as a spiritual and emotional healing for her. I’m happy she got to know what that feels like.

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