Wed. Aug. 31st
My deepest gratitude for all of the kind comments and condolences expressed on Caringbridge and www.BePositive.org on the recent passing of my Mother. For those of you who read Ali’s Journal Update on Monday, you know why I wanted her to make this announcement. Ali has such a beautiful way with words.
In case you’re interested, here is my Mom’s obituary from today’s paper.
I know I speak for my whole family when I say that I am tremendously blessed. My Mom was an inspiration to me, a great role model, and a great friend. My Mom lived an extremely active 86 years and saw her children grow up and was blessed to develop deep and loving relationships with all of her grandchildren. Family and faith were most important to my Mom, and my Dad.
When we were in the hospital with Andrew, my Mom was there each and every one of the 167 days. On one occasion, she had to be at the University of Pennsylvania to have a melanoma removed and she basically checked herself out and told them that she would do her “recovery” in the PICU Waiting Room at A.I. duPont Hospital so that she could be closer to Andrew. Andrew’s illness and subsequent passing pained my Mom so deeply. I have no doubt that my buddy, Andrew, was the first one to meet my Mom in Heaven.
Over the past 4 years, I have had people tell me that they know what I’m going through with the loss of Andrew because their 80-something year old parent or grandparent had passed away. Over the past 2 weeks, I have had the opportunity to consider this from both perspectives. Death of a loved one is difficult – at any age. Period.
But, the sadness that I have over my Mom’s passing is mostly looking back at the fond memories over my lifetime with her.
The sadness that I have over my son’s passing is generated only partly from looking back on the fond memories that we had with him, but also on the tremendous unfulfilled potential and dreams of a lifetime that will never be realized.
This is, in no way, intended to diminish the grief felt for my Mom or anyone that dies in the ‘normal’ sequence of life. But, my Mom lived 86 great years and leaves behind a tremendous legacy. It is her time – to be reunited with my Dad, Andrew, her parents, her sisters, and her son-in-law. I know my Mom is in Heaven…she certainly earned her place there.
Thank you, again, for your tremendous compassion displayed to me and my family.
On Saturday, consistent with our heritage and my Mom’s wishes, we will be celebrating my Mom’s life in good Irish wake fashion.
B+
So proud to be,
Margie McDonough’s Son
